STAR defender Josh Gibson will finish his career as a Hawk after signing a one-year contract extension with the club. 

Gibson, 31, was due to come out of contract at the end of this season, but ex-teammate Campbell Brown revealed on AFL.com.au's First Bounce the gun backman had put pen to paper on a new deal, which was subsequently confirmed by the club.

The dual Hawks premiership player has become an integral member of the club's backline and one of the best defenders in the competition.

Hawks list manager Graham Wright said Gibson's flexibility as a defender complemented the bash and crash style of Brian Lake perfectly.

"Josh has been such an important part of our backline since coming across to the club," Wright told the club's website.

"He has been great at being able to evolve and adjust his game and it’s great for the club to have him around for another season."

Gibson averaged 21 disposals from his 17 games last season and also led the Hawks in rebound 50s.

The club's 2013 best and fairest winner, Gibson has played 100 games in the brown and gold, complementing the 65 he managed during his stint at North Melbourne from 2006-2009.