GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 09: Hayden Ballantyne of the Dockers is tackled during the round 20 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Fremantle Dockers at Skilled Stadium on August 9, 2014 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Fremantle forward Hayden Ballantyne will play on in season 2018, after putting pen to paper on a new one-year contract extension with the Dockers.
The 2014 all-Australian managed just 10 games in 2016 due to injury, but his experience and leadership will be invaluable as the club looks to rebuild.
“We’re really happy to have Hayden committed for the 2018 season,” List manager Brad Lloyd said.
“He has made a significant contribution to the club since being drafted in 2008 and had big impact in games and is a strong leader at the football club."
Ballantyne said he is thrilled to extend his career and looking forward to what 2018 holds.
“It’s great to sign on. It was exciting to see the young guys coming through this year,” Ballantyne said.
“They played some good footy. Hopefully, next year we can get some more wins on the board and continue to improve and grow our young playing group.
“I was flat when the season ended to be honest, as I was just starting to get a kick towards the end.
“I only played 10 games but next year, I’ll be pushing for a good pre-season and hopefully, a big season in 2018."
He has played 152 games for the club, kicking 232 goals.