Three-time premiership Hawk Paul Puopolo will don the brown and gold again in 2020, after signing a one-year contract extension this week.

GM-Football Graham Wright says despite the initial delay in contract discussions, the club is thrilled to have the gutsy small forward re-commit for another season.

“We’ve had open conversations with Paul and his management throughout the trade period, and all parties understood a few things still needed to play out before a decision could be made,” Wright said.

“We’re really pleased that we’re able to retain Paul’s services for at least another year.

“He’s a champion of our football club and still has plenty of good football left in him.

“His on-field work rate is exemplary and we know he’ll continue to set an extremely high standard for both himself and his teammates.”

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The 31-year-old is heading into his 10th pre-season with the club, having been drafted with Pick 66 in the 2010 National Draft as a mature-age recruit.

An integral cog in Hawthorn’s forward line throughout the three-peat era, Puopolo has now notched up 190 games and booted 181 goals while wearing the brown and gold.

The fan favourite, affectionately known as ‘Poppy’, was awarded life membership of the club in 2018.