Reigning Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell will likely see out his AFL career at Hawthorn after extending his contract until the end of 2023.

The 26-year-old ball magnet was originally contracted to the Hawks until 2021 but signed a two-year extension on Tuesday.

Mitchell, who hasn’t played in 2019 after he broke his leg during Hawthorn’s pre-season, averaged 35.3 disposals in 2018.

But he said the new contract extension was cause for optimism.

“It gives you some confidence that the club backs you in and I’m looking forward to repaying the faith and hopefully playing some good footy,” Mitchell told Hawthorn’s website.

“Rehab can be a bit of a lonely place at times but I feel like I’m on the mend and recovering really well.

“When the time comes to return to play I think I’ll be ready to go.”