Chad Wingard's career has been given a lifeline after suffering a long-term injury which threatened to end the veteran's time in footy.

The Hawks forward has signed a one-year contract extension to remain at the club in 2024.

The assurance comes after the 30-year-old ruptured his achilles in Hawthorn's win against the Bulldogs in round 22.

Wingard shot to the ground after attempting to take off in defence early in the match.

The frightening sight put a cloud over his future, with a nine-month recovery forecast after receiving surgery, and no deal in front of him for next year.

It came after a string of injuries which has plagued his tenure at the Hawks since arriving from Port Adelaide ahead of the 2019 season.

Wingard is looking at a return to playing mid-way through next year.

Club doctor Liam West said he could resume running during the upcoming preseason.

"The surgeon was really pleased with how the operation went, Chad had a really strong repair of his achilles," West said.

"He is already doing really well with his rehabilitation and we hope that he will return to running late in the pre-season, with timelines to become clearer as his rehabilitation progresses."

Hawthorn list and recruiting manager Mark McKenzie said the extension was a win for both Wingard and the club, with the forward also an important mentor for younger players around the club.

Wingard has played 71 games for Hawthorn following seven seasons at Port.