The 129-gamer, who turned 24 on Saturday, had an outstanding 2011, averaging 24 touches and seven marks off half-back.

The 14th pick in the 2005 national draft was rewarded with selection in the 40-man All Australian squad, but failed to make the final 22.

``In 2009 and 2010 his season plateaued somewhat after a really exciting start to his career, where in his second year of footy he played in a premiership side,'' Clarkson said on Hawthorn's website.

``Grant got back to the type of form that we expect from him last year, and was really stiff not making it to the final selection of the All Australian team.

``We're really confident that he can step up. He's played over 100 games of footy in his five seasons at the Hawks - he's a guy we can see improving and leading our back end in the years to come.''

The Hawthorn boss said Birchall's run off half-back was a vital part of the Hawks' game plan as they look to go a couple of steps further than their heartbreaking preliminary final loss to Collingwood.

``He's got a beautiful kick and so often the goals we score are from Grant's play off the half-back line,'' Clarkson said of his charge, who finished third in the club's best and fairest count.

``One of the great benefits we've had over the last few years without some taller timber in the back end is having Birch play on taller players, where he's really proven himself.

``We think his experience over the last 24 months has held him in good stead.

``We look forward to watching another season of Birch playing and know that if he performs well, he can help us move deep into September.''