HAWTHORN small forward Paul Puopolo is the latest Hawk to extend his contract with the Club, signing on until the end of 2015.

Puopolo joins teammates Jed Anderson, Bradley Hill, Ryan Schoenmakers and Isaac Smith as players to commit their future to Hawthorn in the last 48 hours.

Like Smith and Schoenmakers, Puopolo signed a new contract with the Hawks until the end of 2014 just last year, but the Hawks and the South Australian were keen to secure his future in brown and gold.

Puopolo has come a long way since being drafted as a mature-aged recruit who had previously missed the opportunity to join the AFL because of injuries and poor form.

He was picked up by the Hawks with selection 66 in the 2010 National Draft and has since become a fan favourite with his never-say-die attitude.

As his AFL journey continues, the 25 year old can’t help but pinch himself despite playing 61 games in three seasons at Hawthorn.

“It’s very exciting to get another couple of years at the Club, I couldn’t dream of something like this – to keep being part of a great club like this one, it’s a great honour,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

It was an easy decision for the speedster to sign a one-year extension, who cites the closeness of the playing group and coaching staff as reasons behind his decision to agree to terms just one year after re-signing.

“The culture we have is that everyone is together - it’s one big group, there are no individuals,” he said.

“I enjoy the coaching staff and the players - it’s a great club, a family club and coming from an Italian background, family is a very important thing so I love being here.

“We’re always mucking around together and having that bond is good for your footy because you learn together and you’re all helping each other out.

“Having that is the best thing for the Club along with having great leaders who help bring that togetherness and Clarko is one of those people who has brought that to the Club.”

With another finals campaign underway and a tough Preliminary Final awaiting the Hawks next weekend, Puopolo knows that mateship within the group will hold it in good stead for the challenges that await it next week and in the future.

“When it comes to the tougher games, if everyone is working together, you will get great success out of it,” he said.

Puopolo quickly became a fan favourite in his first season at the Hawks with his pressure in the forward line, but he’s now finally getting the recognition from outsiders he deserves.

He has enjoyed more time in the midfield this season and achieved career best numbers for disposals, tackles and clearances, but it is his work off the ball that is winning him respect.

Puopolo is renowned for his willingness to chase and tackle and at times has left media commentators in awe of his repeat efforts and ability to make it from one contest to the next.

But he wants to take the next step and become known for his ability to make an impact with the ball as much as he does without it.

For that, he’s turned to midfield guns Sam Mitchell and Brad Sewell for advice.

“My next step is probably to become a stronger midfielder,” he said.

“You look at Sam Mitchell and Sewelly, I guess I want to take the next step and try to be like them and have that control in the midfield.

“Being around the ball more, I’ve learnt a lot from them and all those guys, they’ve really been helping me out and making me play better footy.”

With that in mind, we haven’t yet seen the best of Paul Puopolo.

“I’ve still got some more improvement in regards to my engine but with another pre-season behind me, I’ll be able to get more benefits out of playing midfield because I can be in there for longer,” he said.

“That’s probably my goal over the next couple of pre-seasons, to get a lot fitter and be able to play that role for longer.”