The 23 year-old had an impressive debut season in the red and black.

Hartley has overcome multiple shoulder injuries to cement his role as a key defender in the Bombers’ back line this season.

He ranked first in the competition for defensive 50 pressure points, averaging 14.9 a game.

Hartley said he was proud to continue to ‘don the sash’ in 2017 and beyond.

"The playing group is in a really good place, the next few years are going to be exciting for the football club and it's great to be a part of it," he said.

"I'm pumped that I'm going to have the opportunity to play alongside Michael Hurley down back. He's one of just a number of really experienced players who will come back next season, but we're under no illusion that it's going to take plenty of hard work if we're to be competitive.”

Coach John Worsfold, said ‘Harts’ had demonstrated great maturity and commitment to improving all aspects of his game since arriving at the Club.

“Harts has been one of the exciting young players we have seen step up to the challenge of playing and competing at the elite level this season,” Worsfold said.

“He has worked extremely hard on his development this season, he’s done a tremendous job for us as playing at full-back and he’s also learnt a lot from playing on some of the competitions big power forwards.

“We’re really excited about where we are heading as a Club and to have Harts part of this journey next year is fantastic.”