Out-of-contract Fremantle midfielder Neil Erasmus has recommitted to the Dockers until 2028, inking a contract extension with the club following their season exit in the elimination final against Gold Coast, the club has confirmed.
Erasmus admitted that he had been pursued by a number of rival clubs, notably the Western Bulldogs, but rejected approaches from opposition to stick with the anchor in a club statement on Wednesday.
"There was a bit of interest elsewhere which was documented, but I've got so much here in Perth and in WA," Erasmus said.
“It would have been a tough decision to let that go.
“Over my four years here, I've had to work hard for my opportunities, but I'll continue to do that because I feel like both I and the club are heading in the right direction.
“I just trusted that and wanted to commit to the club that drafted me."
three more years of ✨ razzle dazzle ✨
how good is that.#foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/VDeH5thCwc
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) September 10, 2025
Erasmus featured in a career-high 16 games this season after managing just four senior appearances in 2024, building into the year strongly as the Dockers dealt with a number of injuries to key midfielders, notably Hayden Young, who played just nine AFL matches this season.
The 21-year-old averaged 15.9 disposals and 3.1 clearances per game, as his magnet's moved to and from a variety of positions during the year.
“As the year went on I had a little role initially inside, but then moved out to the wing once we got a couple of the boys back,” Erasmus said.
“I was still able to play my role and the coaches were happy with how I was performing out on the wing.
“As you get a few more opportunities, the game starts to slow down a little bit for you and I feel like that's what I've been waiting for. I'm glad the coaches trust me to play different roles in the first place.
“I think I can play them and I think I'm versatile enough to play any position. I've enjoyed that and sometimes it finds you a way into the team.”
In the elimination final against Gold Coast, Erasmus was superb on the wing, collecting 18 disposals, eight contested possessions, five clearances and six tackles.
His scoreboard impact was most impressive, however, kicking a goal and contributing to six score involvements, one shy of tying his career-high.
“Those sorts of games (end-of-season pressure) suit my style – a bit more contested,” Erasmus said.
“I enjoy the big game and the big occasion, so I think that suited me. It was good to be able to play a role in those games.
“I hope that I can take more confidence from the summer into next year as well.”
