Michael Frederick secures Fremantle Dockers contract extension until end of 2026

Fremantle have confirmed the re-signing of speedy forward Michael Frederick on a three-year deal. As reported in The West Australian on Monday, Frederick has inked an extension on top of his current contract which expires at the end of next year, tying him to the club until at least 2026. The 22-year-old has been a revelation in attack for the Dockers and is enjoying a career-best campaign. The Woodville-West Torrens product, who was drafted with pick 61 in the 2019 national draft, has cemented his spot in Fremantle’s best 22 this season despite an off-field hiccup when he received a one-game club suspension for drinking alcohol during a six-day break. The club is understood to be happy with how he’s bounced back from the suspension. Frederick said it was “pretty awesome” to have locked in his new deal sooner than expected and praised coach Justin Longmuir and forwards coach Jaymie Graham for helping his improvement. “I didn’t think it would come around this quick,” he said. “It’s awesome to be staying around for that long and knowing I’ve got a lot of footy ahead. “They (the coaches) back me in 100 per cent and hearing their feedback…you build a lot of confidence off what they say to you. “It’s about knowing what your best can possibly be and backing yourself in and trusting yourself. “The connection and playing a different variety of roles in the forward line each week is something I think I’ve built off really well. The goals are nice, but I think I’ve tried to build my game on pressure and tackling this year, that sort of opens up my opportunities to hit the scoreboard.” The third-year player has already tallied career-high numbers in goals (19) and games played (15) this season, taking his overall numbers to 28 from 32. He’s booted multiple majors in seven games including two bags of three in wins over Brisbane and St Kilda in rounds 12 and 17 respectively. Frederick is also averaging 11 disposals, 200 metres gained, 16 pressure acts, five score involvements and three inside 50s to go with his 1.3 goals per game. Frederick will get his first taste of Friday night footy against Richmond at Marvel Stadium after he missed the round eight clash against North Melbourne earlier this year. Fremantle still have several key players out of contract at season’s end, including games-record holder David Mundy, winger Blake Acres and swingman Griffin Logue. Acres and Logue are both attracting strong rival interest.