DAVID HALE has probably never enjoyed his football more than in the last four years.

Since crossing from the Kangaroos at the end of 2010, the forward/ruckman has played in a preliminary final, two Grand Finals and won a premiership.

It is more success than he could have dreamed of when he made the difficult decision to switch clubs.

But it hasn’t been a complete shock.

As the Hawks lock-in the valuable ruckman/forward with another contract extension until the end of 2015, Hale reveals he was lured to the Hawks four years ago by the chance to play in a successful team.

Hale revealed Coach Alastair Clarkson had a vision for Hawthorn that included him playing a key role.

“The chance to play in a successful team doesn’t come around for everyone and we’re right in the middle of what is hopefully a period of success,” Hale told hawthornfc.com.au

“Looking at the list when I first arrived, I knew there were a lot of good players here but I guess you don’t know how good they are until you actually see them week in, week out – I talk about the Mitchells and the Hodges.

“That’s obviously a reason why you come over – ‘Clarko’ tells you if you come here, fit in and play a role, you’ll have the chance to experience some silverware and that’s what’s happened.

“You’ve got such a talented and a deep list of players here now with all the young guys as well.

“Hopefully we can all stick around and get the job done a couple more times.”

Just because the 29 year old, who’ll turn 30 in May has finally achieved the ultimate doesn’t mean he sees his time in football as complete.

Winning that elusive flag last season has only fuelled his motivation to achieve more success with his Hawthorn teammates.

“It’s an exciting time for the Club, coming off a Grand Final,” he said.

“It’s my fourth year now and it has been a very enjoyable time. I’ve played in a prelim, two Grand Finals and a flag – I can’t ask for much more than what I’ve got so far at Hawthorn.

“(But) a couple more flags would be nice before I’m finished. As long as the list stays healthy and we get a bit of luck with injuries, we should be around the mark.”

At 201cm, many marvel at the athleticism and impact Hale has both as a forward and when he spends time in the ruck.

He has become one of the best ruckman/forwards in the game, particularly in the last two seasons where he’s kicked 20 and 24 goals.

But, surprisingly it’s not extra training or hours spent in the gym behind his improvement.

Hale says it has been his ability to take his mind away from football when spending time with his young family – his wife Teresa and daughters Asha and Mia.

“Having two little girls at home has been something that’s helped me relax a lot more off the field and on the field because I go out on the weekend and enjoy having a kick,” he said.

“Enjoyment is a big thing in footy – going to training and actually enjoying being around your mates and having a kick on the weekend is something I think, that helps you play good footy.

“When you go home, the girls don’t really care what you’ve done or how many goals and touches you get.”

It is a key part of life as an elite footballer Hale has only come to realise since crossing from the Kangaroos as a 26 year old.

He says it has helped him to keep the fun in footy.

“When you’re young you put a bit of pressure on yourself and footy can become a bit of a drag sometimes and going to training every day can become a bit monotonous,” he said.

“A change in environment, my family set up with my two girls has made it all a lot more enjoyable – I enjoy getting up every day and coming to training and then playing on the weekends with a bunch of mates who I’ve been around for three to four years now and who I’ve got a good connection with.

“It’s fun, and I suppose that’s the main thing because that’s how footy should be.

“When you’re a young kid, that’s why you go every weekend and when you’re getting to 29-30 like I am now, it (the fun) has to remain a key part of footy.”

With a premiership under his belt and other clubs searching for their own version of David Hale – the dangerous forward who is just as dangerous in the ruck, the Hawks big man wants to keep taking his game to a new level.

“If I can keep enjoying my footy and hopefully kick a bit straighter than I did last year, it’ll be a good season,” he said.

“The goal is to keep improving but the forward line we have now of (Jack) Gunston, (Jarryd) Roughead and a few little fellas, hopefully we can get that to work.”

Ultimately though, he just wants to achieve a period of sustained success with Hawthorn.

“As long as we keep kicking a winning score, that’s the main thing, getting a win next to our name,” he said.

“Signing a new contract is good but I’m just enjoying my footy. Hawthorn is a good place to be around and hopefully we can have a bit more success this year.”