Adelaide defender Mitch Hinge says he is refusing to rest on his laurels, as he prepares for his fourth AFL campaign at West Lakes.

Fresh off a career-best campaign in 2023, and signing a two-year contract extension on Monday, Hinge was confident his best footy was still to come.

“(Last year) I was able to show myself and show the footy world parts of what I can do,” Hinge told the media on Monday.

“Personally, I want to go to another level and help the team build some success, that’s what we are aiming for and that’s what I am here for.

“I am only 25 now and the last 12 games last year were probably the best ones that I played, (but) that's just a little stepping stone and I hope to keep getting better and improving.

“I need to consistently play at a high level, now, it’s not just trying to make the team.”

The 25-year-old South Australian joined Adelaide from Brisbane in 2021 and recorded a number of career-highs last season, averaging 19.6 disposals across 22 games, taking his career tally to 43.

Known for his physicality, defensive versatility and elite kick, Hinge said it was “an honour” to re-sign for two more years.

“It wasn’t really much of a decision for me to make, to be honest,” Hinge said.

“The Club came to me early and what we are building here is super, super exciting.

“It’s an absolute honour to sign on for a couple more and hopefully that comes with a bit of success.

“Hopefully this year we can build on last year, personally and as a team, and go into this year really confident and see what the year holds.”

Adelaide’s pre-season is starting to heat up ahead of its Round One clash against Gold Coast on March 16 and Hinge says his teammates have been putting in the hard work.

“We play footy to win games and have success but at the moment the boys are training really well and couldn’t be happier with how the boys are looking, so we take some confidence out of that,” Hinge said.

“Round One comes around quick and what comes around quicker are the intra-club (matches) and the trial matches… with that, the spots get tight and the younger boys are getting better.

“The boys have been ripping in and training hard and it’s just really exciting.”