Rookie midfielder Karl Worner has signed a one-year contract extension with Fremantle.
The untried Oakleigh Chargers product was selected by the Dockers with the eighth pick of the 2021 Rookie Draft.
Worner joined his new teammates late in the pre-season due to Western Australia border restrictions but has since made a positive impression on the Fremantle coaching staff.
Across five games playing for Peel in the WAFL, the 19-year-old has averaged 23.8 disposals and 5.6 marks per game and has kicked three goals.
Worner expressed his appreciation for being able to remain a Docker and continue his footballing journey in WA.
"I'm absolutely stoked to sign on, receive this opportunity and to keep it going on. I've really loved it so far," Worner said.
"The most important thing for me is to get continuity in my football and show my competitiveness. I feel like I've started off pretty well but have a lot of things to improve on.
"I'm really happy with the way I've started and to lock another year in."
Dockers player personnel boss David Walls praised Worner's attitude and commitment since arriving from Victoria.
"Karl had a delayed start coming across to WA but since he's been here, he's applied himself and he's performed well at WAFL level," Walls said.
"We're excited by what Karl can develop into and it was important to give him that extra year's security so he can focus on his footy.
"His attitude's been strong from before he was drafted, especially during COVID. In that time he grew into an elite runner, even by Fremantle standards.
"He's put the work in and there's other areas, like getting bigger and stronger, for him to work on. We think he's got real scope to develop into an AFL player and we want to reward his attitude and the work he's put in."
