Fremantle midfielder Karl Worner has signed a two-year contract extension with the Dockers, tying him to Cockburn until the end of the 2025 season.
Worner, who also turned 21 on Friday, is yet to make a senior appearance with the Dockers, however, the youngster has impressively plied his trade in the WAFL with Peel, averaging 26 disposals and almost six marks per game this season.
"Signing an extension to 2025, it's a really great feeling as the club has the faith in me to give me two extra years and that security," Worner said in a club statement.
"When I first came to the club I missed the first three months of pre-season, but I think a lot of positive things have happened since then and I've been trending in the right direction, which is a big thing for me.
"I'm really pleased with the way I'm developing and getting that extra two years, it helps a lot."
A two-year deal for Karl's 21st birthday ๐ #foreverfreo
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) June 16, 2023
Worner discussed his transition to Fremantle's backline, noting the commendable support of the coaching and playing groups.
"I was drafted as a wing but I've been doing a lot of training in the backline to create more versatility in my game so I can be used in different positions going forward," Worner continued.
"I love the backline group, I've got such great coaches in Boydy (Matthew Boyd) and Tendai (Mzungu). They're both really invested in my work and developing my game.
"It's a pretty good backline to learn from, if not the best in the comp.
"I try and take as much away as I can, especially the high half-backs in Chappy (Heath Chapman), Clarky (Jordan Clark), Youngy (Hayden Young), Don (Brandon Walker), they've all been going really well and I love learning off them."
The young utility made mention of his development through the WAFL at Peel Thunder.
"I've been quite pleased with my season, on the back of a lot of work that I've done in the pre-season with the coaches and also my teammates as well," Worner said.
"We've got such a great culture here that we get the best out of each other.
"Peel have been quite successful to start the year, unfortunately we've had some close losses the past two weeks.
"I've been trying to do what the team needs, providing that run off half-back and it's been good, I've been very pleased."
Fremantle Head of Player Personnel David Walls expressed faith that, despite the fact that Worner hasn't made his maiden AFL appearance yet, he is tracking pleasingly.
"He hasn't quite got the debut as yet, but we've got real faith in Karl and he's developing nicely," Walls said.
"We see him as a long-term player at the club and we wanted to give him some security so he can take the pressure off. It allows him to keep developing.
"He was drafted in a Covid year and was late getting over to WA and he was fully fit by the time he got to the club.
"He's been an absolute pro and that's why we've given him another two years, even before he's made his debut, as we know he'll keep working and keep improving because he's got that hunger."
The Dockers are currently preparing for their crucial Saturday afternoon clash with the GWS Giants at GIANTS Stadium.