HAWTHORN has locked away wingman Isaac Smith until the end of 2016.

Smith signed a new deal in June last year, tying him to the Club until the end of 2014, but has already agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension after a breakout season in 2013.

The speedster has become one of Hawthorn’s most best attacking weapons, and was recognised for his game-breaking ability last Friday night against Sydney in the Qualifying Final.

The Swans opted to tag Smith, with star midfielder Dan Hannebery playing the defensive role with the aim of curbing his free-wheeling running and ability to break the lines.

It was the ultimate compliment for Smith who is renowned for his hard-running ability.

He is an important player to Hawthorn and is viewed by the Club as a key player to its aim for sustained success, given he has signed an extension just a year after agreeing to terms on a new contract.

Smith paid homage to the culture and mateship within the playing group, revealing he’s never contemplated playing elsewhere.

“When you find those special friendships and relationships, you just don’t want to leave them because you’re having a good time and there’s no point putting a spanner in the works,” he told hawthornfc.com.au

“We all get along well, and there’s a good bunch of blokes coming through around the 21-25 age bracket so there’s a nice core group of us there who are all good mates.

“I’m just happy that they put something on the table and I’m really just happy to be here for another few years.

“It’s a pretty special place, you feel welcome and wanted around here, so it’s a good place to be.”

Now in his third year, the 24 year old has played in all but one home and away game this year to take his career total to 60.

He has continued to mature and since midway through this season, has become one of the in-form players at Hawthorn and in the competition.

He has averaged 20.1 disposals, 3.6 tackles, 3.4 inside 50s and has kicked 17 goals – including bags of three against Port Adelaide and Collingwood.

He has also achieved career best numbers for disposals, goals and tackles this season.

Since Round 16 though, his disposal average has improved to 22.1, his inside 50s to 3.8 and nine of his 17 goals have come since that round.

But he remains modest about his own form despite finally winning the recognition he deserves for his outstanding season.

“You just go out and play your footy and try to do your best for the team, you don’t really think about anything else too much, but it’s nice to get a few rewards though,” he said.

“Hilly and also Jack Gunston, Liam Shiels and Jordan Lewis all roll through the wings, so we’re starting to get a nice group of blokes that can roll through the wings and also go inside as well.

“We’re starting to build a pretty good list and hopefully it continues.”

Smith has played in each of Hawthorn’s seven finals appearances since arriving at the Club and looms as a key to Hawthorn’s aim for success this year.

He played in three finals in his first year and arguably put in his best performances of 2011 in those matches – particularly his 24 disposals, 10 marks and eight inside 50s against Geelong in the Qualifying Final and 20 disposals and four inside 50s in the Preliminary Final loss to Collingwood in 2011.

He subscribes to the theory that you make your own luck, and his hard work, professionalism and determination to make an impact since being draft to the Club as a 21 year old from North Ballarat is testament to that.

“You play footy to play in finals,” he said.

“You can’t consider yourself lucky because it’s all about working hard, playing well and getting the team to play for each other.

“I guess that’s the expectation as well, that you play finals football whether you’re playing in the AFL or playing country footy.

“It’s all about doing the hard yards and performing rather than sitting back thinking you’re lucky.”

Smith joins youngsters Jed Anderson and Bradley Hill as players to commit to the Club this week, along with the signings of Jarryd Roughead, Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, Sam Mitchell and Cyril Rioli this year.