Fremantle young gun signs extension following recent debut

Fremantle's Cooper Simpson has signed a two-year contract extension that will see the 19-year-old stay at the club until the end of 2027. 

Taken with Pick 35 in the 2023 National Draft, Simpson has made a fast start to his AFL career, making his debut as the sub in Round 7 against the Western Bulldogs.

Following an impressive performance in limited game time, the No.29 - which was worn and presented by club great Matthew Pavlich - spoke on how donning the purple anchor has felt in the past fortnight.

Cooper Simpson is 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 💜#foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/NikyrMCGu6

— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) May 7, 2024

“(The debut) was a surreal moment, it was unreal to go out there in front of the fans and get the win.” Simpson said. 

“It was really special for my family to make the trip over, they have been to every game so far so it wasn't a surprise, but it was good to have them be part of the moment.  

2,799 days.

A fitting way to hand Cooper his debut jumper 💜@matt_pavlich #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/Dkszh6IXVa

— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) April 27, 2024

“I'm enjoying my time here and want to spend my time here and it's great to have the Club reciprocate that, so I'm really happy.”

The dynamic forward was in awe of some of the players at the club and couldn't be more grateful that the Dockers selected him from last year's class of young guns.

“To have one of the greats of the Club and the game present the jumper obviously means a lot to the Freo fans and the Freo culture, so to wear it is really special and something I am really grateful for,” Simpson said.  

“Bailey Banfield and Sam Switkowski have been good for me, they have great knowledge and have shown me plenty of tips and tricks around the Club.”

Fremantle Head of Player Personnel David Walls said Simpson had rarely put a foot wrong since arriving at the club. 

“From day one, Cooper has taken on every challenge and has been keen to adapt to any roles asked of him,” Walls said.  

“It only took seven rounds for him to force his way into the AFL line-up and we saw his quick feet, great evasiveness and a bit of class. 

“He's super flexible. A small forward who gets up the ground and knows where the goals are. We see him going to a wing or into the midfield in the longer term."

Simpson will be looking to add to his game tally this weekend when Fremantle host Sydney at Optus Stadium on Friday.