Sam Mitchell is playing like he feels - an AFL footballer in his mid-20s prime.
The 32-year-old Hawthorn star confirmed on Thursday he would keep playing for at least another year, signing a new one-year deal that will take him to the end of next season.
After captaining the Hawks to the 2008 premiership, Mitchell has also been a key member of the team that has won the past two flags.
The midfielder and half-back has played 261 senior games with Hawthorn since his 2002 debut.
"I feel good - I feel 25," he told the club website.
"I feel the same way I have for the last five, six or seven years."
Mitchell missed seven games with a hamstring injury this season, but returned successfully and was one of their most important players during the finals.
Given his age, this latest contract could be his last as an AFL player.
"It does come quickly, when the end comes, but at this stage I still do all the training," he said.
"I'm still able to complete the whole pre-season without missing too much.
"That's always a strong indication ... at the moment, I'm in a good space, but you know that can change quickly, so try to make hay while the sun shines."
Mitchell was best on field in their last pre-season game, when they thrashed St Kilda this month by 106 points.
"I like to play as many games as I can," he said.
"The game conditioning and recovering from games is the hardest part.
"If you get a little knock or a niggle and miss a game, you want to have something to fall back on."
Mitchell has enjoyed some of his best form in the past few years, earning his two All-Australian selections in 2011 and '13.
The four-time club best-and-fairest winner was also equal runner-up in the 2012 Brownlow Medal.
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