Malta midfielder John Hutchinson has committed his future to Australian club Central Coast Mariners for a further three years after agreeing a contract extension until 2013.

Hutchinson was part of the Mariners squad that competed in the inaugural A-League season in 2005 and the 29-year-old midfielder, who has been capped four times by Malta, is keen to see out his playing days at Bluetongue Stadium.

"It's a good time in my career to get a three-year deal," said Hutchinson.

"Hopefully I can settle down and play football for the Mariners, hopefully for the next five years.

"We're settled here, it's a beautiful area, the football club is progressing, and hopefully it can become the biggest club in the A-League.

"We had league success but the two Grand Finals we lost stick in the back of your mind, so if we could win one before I retire it'd be a great feeling."

Hutchinson began his career with Australian club Gippsland Falcons in the old NSL before joining Northern Spirit in 2001, and he played under current Mariners boss Lawrie McKinna a year later when he took the reins.

"Hutch was at Spirit when I took over and we've been with each other for seven years now. Playing for Malta has added a bit extra to his game and he's been brilliant for us this year," McKinna said.

"It's a good reward and nothing that isn't deserved.

"We've always had a good nucleus of a squad and it's important that we keep that for the future while still bringing new faces in."

Mariners executive chairman Lyall Gorman was equally pleased with Hutchinson's decision.

"In the five seasons since the A-League's inception, John has been a cornerstone of the Mariners' squad," he said.

"On and off the field, John has been a wonderful ambassador for the club and the community, and we are delighted to have him on board for the next three seasons."