Fremantle pillar Alex Pearce has signed a three-year contract extension, a deal that will see him remain a Docker until 2025.
The 27-year-old has been imperious for Fremantle this season, anchoring a young backline and leading it with aplomb. As the chief tall in the Dockers' defence, he has been central to their good form.
Having taken the scalps of Harry McKay, Ben Brown and Peter Wright, by keeping them goalless when they played, he has also nullified several other big names.
See Also: Docker Frederick opens up on recent drinking suspension
In the return fixture against Carlton, he kept McKay to just two goals. Likewise, Tom Hawkins and Charlie Dixon, with the latter's goals coming late in the game.
It's been a long road for Pearce, who battled repeated injuries throughout the early part of his career. Now fully fit, it's been plain to see how crucial he is to the Dockers' September hopes.
Pearce, who was drafted in 2013, highlighted how critical he is to Fremantle by stepping up as acting captain while Nat Fyfe was out injured in the first half of this season.
Speaking to the club's website, the defender was delighted to have re-signed, saying โIโm proud that Iโve signed on for Fremantle for another three years, itโs very exciting news.
โItโs certainly not something you want to miss, the next few years, I think weโre building something pretty special. Iโve been here for a while now and been through a few different phases and at the moment we have some good momentum behind us.
โIโm happy to be playing consistently and Iโm excited for what the tail end of this season looks like.โ
Having at one stage endured over 670 days without a senior appearance due to a broken leg and further complications, the deal is just reward for Pearce's persistence.
See Also: Rutten unfazed by Clarkson rumours
Reflecting on the multiple setbacks, Pearce alluded to the ordeals being character-building while making him better equipped to cope with adversity.
โItโs definitely shaped who I am and changed me as a person,โ he said.
โI feel more well-rounded from what I used to be when I was younger. I enjoy a lot more of life outside of football, Iโm more engrossed in my uni, music and different things that help me have a break from being focused on footy all the time.
โI think thatโs a lot healthier for me and on the field, Iโm very appreciative of every second I get out there. I donโt take anything for granted because I know it doesnโt take much for things to go wrong, so I just enjoy these good times while I can.โ
While allowing him to develop into more than just a footballer, the injuries also helped Pearce mature into a leader around the club.
โI wasnโt overawed with the responsibility of being captain. I think I was able to take it in my stride, where I might not have a few years ago,โ he said.
โI think part of leadership is being that support off field and helping guys to be well rounded and not have all their eggs in the football basket. I think I have some decent perspective in that point of view, along with driving standards and driving gameday performance as well.โ
With finals firmly on the agenda for the Dockers, Pearce's influence will be crucial to a young team that is looking to test themselves against the best.
See Also: Lions lose Andrews to Covid protocols ahead of Bombers clash
With such a level head and competent foundation block in Pearce on the last line of defence, it's no wonder Fremantle are tracking so well. The next big challenge for the popular big man is to help lead the way deep into September.
