St Kilda’s much-admired veteran AFL midfielder Lenny Hayes has confirmed he will play on next season.
The 33-year-old, who won his third best and fairest award last year, made the commitment before Sunday’s game against Gold Coast.
“Committing to a 16th season of AFL football is not a decision I have come to lightly,” Hayes told the club’s website.
“But after taking everything into consideration, I am fully dedicated to playing for our proud club once again next year.”
Hayes, who played his 276th game on Sunday, won the 2010 Norm Smith Medal in the drawn grand final against Collingwood and was third in the 2009 Brownlow Medal count.
Coach Scott Watters said on Saturday Hayes still had a lot to offer with both his playing and leadership.