Hawthorn veterans to play on in 2017

Hawthorn’s veteran brigade is playing on in 2017.

Decorated stars Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, and Josh Gibson have all agreed to a one-year contract extension.

Speculation was rife that the Hawks may need to move on one or more of their veterans as the club looks to regenerate its squad.

But the trio put the talk to bed with their signatures on Tuesday.

2008 Premiership captain Sam Mitchell also signed on for 2017 earlier in the year.

Hawthorn recruiting and list manager Graham Wright said re-signing the experienced trio was a simple decision.

‘Luke, Shaun and Josh are all integral to our football club,’ Wright said.

‘Importantly all three individually were very keen to play on and their form warranted it, so it was an easy decision to make.’

Hodge (32), Burgoyne (33), and Gibson (32) hold a combined 11 premiership medallions, 809 AFL games, 73 finals, and five All Australian nods.