Fremantle have handed uncapped backman Hugh Davies a two-year contract extension that sees the teenager now signed with the Dockers until the end of the 2026 season.
Davies joined Fremantle as the 33rd overall selection at last year's AFL Draft as a local recruit out of Claremont.
The tall defender wouldn't feature at AFL level across his first 12 months at Cockburn but would impress in the WAFL for Peel Thunder, who he played 19 games for this year - including the club's grand final defeat to East Fremantle.
The 19-year-old said he's excited for the season ahead after recommitting to the Dockers for a further two years.
โ(I am) super stoked to be signing on until 2026, so an extra two years on my contract,โ Davies said in a club statement.
โIt's amazing being able to come back this pre-season and know everyone, and have good relationships already formed so I can just focus on my footy instead of having that element to it.
โWe've got a super talented and committed group, and a lot of boys who are super keen to keep cracking on this summer.โ
Davies will act as a reinforcement for Fremantle's top line of key defenders, with captain Alex Pearce, veteran Luke Ryan and star backman Brennan Cox all holding down the fort in Justin Longmuir's rearguard.
Fremantle personnel boss David Walls believes it won't be long before Fremantle fans get to see Davies in purple, stating the young Docker is "knocking on the door" for a debut.
โHe (Davies) is knocking on the door and had great experience playing for Peel throughout finals and into the Grand Final,โ Walls said.
โEveryone's been super impressed with his attitude to work and get better.
โThe back half of his year was outstanding with how much he improved.
โWe've got Alex (Pearce) and 'Coxy' (Brennan Cox) and Hugh is developing along nicely behind them.
โWe expect him to take another step forward and be pushing for selection.โ
Fremantle are set to open their 2024 campaign against grand finalists Brisbane on Sunday, March 17 at Optus Stadium to conclude the Round 1 fixture.
