Brendan Whitecross will remain a Hawk, having signed a contract extension to keep him at Waverley until the end of 2018.

Since debuting against Geelong in Round 1 2009, Whitecross has notched up 97 games in the brown and gold.

A run of bad luck, headed by consecutive ACL injuries, meant that Whitecross missed out on Hawthorn’s successive flags during the club's three-peat.

However, his career was rejuvenated late in 2016, with the versatile midfielder-turned-defender playing every game since Round 17, including both finals.

Whitecross says he is excited to have contract negotiations sorted so that he can focus on the season ahead.

“I’m thrilled to be staying with the Hawks for another two seasons.”

“It’s great that we’ve been able to put pen to paper early on, so I can concentrate on playing when the season starts.”

“I’m just looking forward to getting out there with this playing group, and playing some good quality and consistent footy.”

Whitecross is hopeful to celebrate his 100th AFL game during the 2017 season.

Read: All the highlights from Hawthorn's intra-club match.