Fremantle forward Bailey Banfield is understood to have committed to the Dockers' cause for a further two seasons, ending any speculation around his future at Cockburn.
A number of Dockers players remained unsigned for 2022, with the Western Australian club tipped to be placing money aside ahead of their anticipated acquisition of young Melbourne star Luke Jackson.
A move for Jackson would likely require Fremantle to fork out considerable salary space for the 20-year-old, meaning those yet to recommit may be required to wait as the Dockers plan their squad for 2023.
Banfield, along with in-form winger Blake Acres, defender Griffin Logue and half-back Nathan Wilson have all been linked to the exit this season given their concluding contracts.
While east-coast rivals circle the likes of Acres and Logue, Banfield has reportedly recommitted to the Dockers on a multi-year deal that will keep him in purple until the end of 2024.
According to SEN WA's Paul Hasleby, Fremantle and Banfield have reached an agreement on an extension.
"[The deal] will be announced tonight, this weekend or maybe next week," he said.
“But I understand that deal is done, they’ve come to the party.
Forward
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“Two-year deal with the Fremantle Dockers and his management.
“That’s good reward for him."
Banfield has been a constant in Justin Longmuir's attack line this year, complimenting fellow forwards Lachie Schultz, Matt Taberner, Rory Lobb, Michael Walters, Michael Frederick and Sam Switkowski.
The Broome product has played 21 games this season and will remain in the mix for next Saturday night's elimination final against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.
Banfield joined the Dockers through the 2017 Rookie Draft and has amassed 59 games to his name since making his debut in 2018 against Port Adelaide in his side's season opener.
With Banfield's name now seemingly off the table, the Dockers may turn their attention to retaining Acres and Logue, while Lobb is tipped to depart the club this off-season despite his contract status.
Lobb is seen as a sure thing to join one of Melbourne or the Western Bulldogs, while Carlton have been touted as front-runners to sign Acres this year.
