Axed Fremantle forward Mitch Crowden has signed with WAFL side East Perth for the 2023 season.
Crowden was among three Dockers players to not be offered a new deal this off-season, a decision that came 12 months after he was delisted and recruited back through the Rookie Draft.
The 23-year-old was listed as the medical sub on two occasions for Justin Longmuir this year, however went unused in his only two appearances in purple for 2022.
Crowden played 17 games for the Dockers' affiliate club Peel Thunder this year, averaging 24.8 disposals and booting 11 goals to finish on the podium of the club's best and fairest voting.
The South Australian is now set to remain out west for at least another year, joining East Perth for 2023.
With a number of familiar faces listed with the Royals, Crowden said the move to East Perth was an exciting one.
"I chose East Perth because of my connection with Scott Jones through our time at Fremantle and also the prospect of playing in an amazing midfield alongside guys like Angus (Schumacher) and Hamish (Brayshaw)," Crowden told the club.
"I'm excited to see where we are at, looking at the team on paper I think we could shoot up into finals next year."
Crowden played 42 games at AFL level for Fremantle from his debut with the Dockers in 2018.
While ambitions to continue his career in the top flight remain in his sights, Crowden will be hoping to regain the attention of AFL clubs through an impressive stint with East Perth.
The Royals are set to get their pre-season preparations underway at the end of this month.