James Frawley says the lure of of challenging for a flag with Hawthorn was the key reason for his switch to the AFL premiers.

The Hawks confirmed the move on Monday morning, signing the free agent from strugglers Melbourne to continue their back-to-back premiership celebrations.

The 26-year-old All Australian said he decided to sign with the Hawks after seeing the success of Brian Lake and other players who made the move to Waverley.

“Every player plays footy to try and win a premiership and be in a successful side and that’s what I see here at Hawthorn and that’s why I made the choice,” Frawley said.

“There were many factors that came into the decision but Lakey has had some good luck coming here from the Bulldogs two years running for two flags. That’s a pretty good strike rate.”

The deal ends a year of uncertainty for the key position player, who declined to discuss his playing future through the 2014 season, keeping Melbourne in the dark.

He announced he would leave the AFL strugglers last week, with Hawthorn one of a group of clubs vying for Frawley’s signature.

Hawthorn firmed as a potential landing point for the wantaway man when the club’s website prematurely announced his signing on the weekend.

Hawks list manager Graham Wright said he expected Frawley to slot into the club’s defensive unit.

Having recently turned 26, James is a quality defender in the prime of his career, Wright said.

“James is a fantastic addition to our list, and will complement and enhance our defensive unit extremely well,” he said.

Melbourne could receive pick three in the AFL national draft as compensation for the talented tall man.

Frawley did spare a thought for the Demons, where he clocked up 139 games since being drafted with pick 12 in 2006.

“I’m sad to leave (Melbourne) but you have to do what’s best for you,” he told the club’s website.

“I found it really hard, especially when it came down to the crunch of actually making the decision.”