Fremantle captain Alex Pearce has signed an extension with the Dockers through to the end of the 2027 season - the likely timing of the introduction of Tasmania's AFL team.
Pearce, an Ulverstone product out of the island state, was due to see his contract with Fremantle expire at the end of the coming season.
The 29-year-old has now locked in a two-year extension to see his services remain tied to the purple side through a total of 14 years.
The extension is sure to earn some interest from Tasmanian football circles, with the Devils in line to enter the competition from 2028 - banking on aggressive expansion recruitment in the year prior.
“I'm very excited. This is the place I want to be,” Pearce said of his decision to recommit to the Dockers in a club statement.
“To be able to extend for a couple of years, I think really helps me focus in on what these next three years can look like. I think we can achieve a lot.”
Pearce has played 122 games for Fremantle since being drafted out of Tasmania in 2013, with the key defender captaining the club over the past two years.
The veteran stopper enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2022 before rekindling that vein of form last year prior to injury ending his season.
“Alex was on track for All Australian selection before he was injured last season and we played our best footy when he was leading from defence,” Fremantle personnel boss David Walls said.
“He really steadies the ship down back and everyone walks taller with him out there.
“He is a tremendous leader of our football club on and off field and you can't underestimate the role he plays with our young defenders.
“Josh Draper, Ollie Murphy and Hugh Davies all look up to him.
“He's playing a massive role in their development – not to mention how valuable it is having him manning up on Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss at training each week.”
Pearce is expected to lead the Dockers again in 2025, with a stint against his own club set to come next month when he represents the Indigenous All Stars at Optus Stadium on February 15.