Fremantle forward Lachie Schultz has reportedly signed a new two-year contract extension to remain in Perth, turning down a tabled deal from Hawthorn, per AFL.com.au'sย Nathan Schmook.

The Hawks were understood to be keen on acquiring Schultz's services, with the 23-year-old mulling over an option to return to Victoria via free agency.

Now, the Dockers goal-sneak has remained faithful to Fremantle and will be on their books until the end of 2023, with an optional trigger for a third season.

LACHLAN SCHULTZ
Forward
Fremantle
2021 SEASON AVG
11
Disposals
4
Marks
1.1
Goals

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The Hawks' three-year offer reportedly placed some strain on discussions between Schultz and the Dockers, however the Western Australian club's bumper third-year option was a key factor in retaining the Williamstown product, per Schmook's report.

Schultz booted 22 goals from his 20 games in purple this season, taking his career tally to 38 and 44 respectively.

The retention of Schultz is another major coup for the Dockers, who have enjoyed a strong recruitment drive in 2021.

Andrew Brayshawย (2025),ย Heath Chapmanย (2024),ย Sean Darcyย (2024),ย David Mundyย (2022),ย Sam Switkowskiย (2023),ย Matt Taberner (2024) and Josh Treacy (2023) have all inked new deals this year, while ruckman Lloyd Meek is also understood to have agreed to terms on an extension.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Scott Jones, Hugh Dixon, Tom North, Mitchell Crowden, Sam Switkowski, Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Lloyd Meek pose following a Fremantle Dockers AFL pre-season training session at Victor George Kailis Oval on November 27, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The Dockers are likely to lose gun midfielder Adam Cerra this off-season, with the 21-year-old requesting a trade back to his home state of Victoria.

The news was a major blow to Fremantle's hopes of returning to premiership contention, however a recent bombshell report fromย 7 Newsย revealed Brisbane star Lachie Neale is likely to request a return to the Dockers this year.

Neale and his partner are understood to be keen on a return to WA as they look to start their family, with the birth of their child expected in October.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Lachie Neale of the Lions in action during the 2019 AFL round 23 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Dockers are one of several clubs to have already made list changes this post-season, with Brett Bewley, Taylin Duman, Stefan Giro and Tobe Watson all delisted by Fremantle.