Fremantle defender Josh Draper has put pen to paper, extending his time at the club until the end of 2027.
Draper has formed a critical role in defence for Justin Longmuir and the Dockers, combining effectively alongside Luke Ryan and Alex Pearce for the majority of the year.
The 20-year-old debuted in Round 2 this year and has rarely missed since, featuring in 18 games.
Has stood up in his debut season ๐
Josh Draper is on lock โtil 2027. #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/JlGRmqYOAS
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) August 12, 2024
โI'm so glad to just stay at the Club. I've made good connections with the boys and I'm just excited moving forward,โ Draper said.ย
โIt's just gone so quick (this season), I came into the year just hoping for one game and now I think I've played the 18.
โI've got great leaders down there to help me.ย
โWe are such a close group (defensive unit) and I think for all of my first year me and Hughey (Hugh Davies) have just been watching clips of Alex Pearce, Brennan Cox, Luke Ryan, and then on the field they all just help me with my body work, my confidence and telling me just to attack the ball and be myself.โ
Head of Player Personnel David Walls says Fremantle is delighted to sign a player who has shown a huge amount of growth since arriving at the Club.ย
โThe opportunity and experience he's had this season has been huge for his development,โ said Walls.ย
โHe's been thrown in the deep end a little with injuries to our key defenders, but he's grabbed it with both hands.ย
โWith his athleticism, willingness to learn and hard work, we see him as a long-term defender with the ability to adapt to different roles in the future.โย
Draper wasย contracted through to the end of 2025 as a category B rookie but has added two years to that deal and will move onto the club's senior list.
After back-to-back losses, the Dockers sit precariously inside the eight, with a tough fortnight before the finals.
Fremantle will face GWS (away) and Port Adelaide to round out the home and away season.
