HAWTHORN forward Paul Puopolo has committed to a one-year contract extension which will keep him at Waverley until the end of 2018.

Puopolo, who was taken at pick 66 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, has enjoyed an excellent 2016 campaign thus far kicking a career-best 32 goals from 19 games.

Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Graham Wright said it was terrific to secure Puopolo for an extra season.

“Paul has been a vital part of our side for a number of years now and we love what he brings to the team with his defensive as well as offensive actions,” Wright said.

“It’s a credit to Poppy that he has improved his game every year and developed into a vital part of our forward structure with his defensive pressure, ability to mark overhead for his size and crumb the ball inside 50.

“He’s an exciting player for us and we’re very happy he’s agreed to sign on until end of 2018.”

The 28-year-old is one of the best pressure players in the game and is renowned for his tackling, laying 87 tackles this season at an average of 4.6 per game.

Arriving at the Ricoh Centre from Norwood in South Australia, Puopolo was determined to make it to the AFL after being overlooked for multiple drafts before being selected by Hawthorn.

Puopolo finished equal-fifteenth in last year’s Peter Crimmins Medal, also finishing in the top 10 of the Hawks’ best and fairest award in 2014.

The 173cm pocket rocket has been a mainstay of the Hawks forward line in recent years, forming a dynamic partnership with fellow smalls Cyril Rioli and Luke Breust.