HAWTHORN is on the verge of re-signing cult hero Matt Spangher.

The key defender's two-year contract expires at the end of the season but an extension appears imminent.

"My manager gave me a call during the week saying that there might be something on the table, which is a positive," Spangher told AFL.com.au after the Hawks' 50-point win over Melbourne on Saturday.

"But I suppose until you sign on the dotted line there's nothing ever guaranteed, is there? Until then I've just got to keep plugging away."

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Spangher has learnt not to take anything for granted during his injury-plagued career.

The 27-year-old has played at three clubs since being drafted by West Coast in 2005 and has managed just 46 games.

Delisted by the Eagles in 2010, Spangher was picked up by the Sydney Swans but only played six games in two seasons.

He was traded to Hawthorn at the end of 2011 and remains grateful for his third chance at an AFL club.

"I already owe Hawthorn a great debt for giving me another opportunity, so if they extended on that I'd be really appreciative," he said.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing at the Hawks, but the 195cm big man has shown his worth in the absences of Brian Lake, Ben Stratton and Josh Gibson this season.

Despite battling calf and ankle injuries, Spangher has played 10 games this year and will be hard to budge from Hawthorn’s defence – even with Lake set to resume from a four-game suspension next weekend.

"I don't even think about it, to be honest,” Spangher said about whether his spot could come under pressure.

"I started thinking a long time ago that I could only worry about things that are in my control and that's just something I don’t have.

"If the club thinks Lakey's the best option, I'll back them in.

"Obviously I want to be out there but he came across last year and played so well.

"He's obviously a big game player. We'll see what happens."