Fremantle has locked-in All-Australian defender Michael Johnson until the end of the 2017 AFL season.
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The 30-year-old was due to become a free agent at the end of the current season but has committed to the Dockers for another two years.
Johnson said the decision to remain at the Western Australian club was an easy one.
“The club has been loyal to me,” Johnson said in a club statement.
“I’ve been here since 2003…I sort of want to give back to the club and the supporters. I’m a WA boy, I was a Fremantle supporter even before I got drafted. I was never thinking of going anywhere else.”
Johnson said there was plenty of promise in the Dockers squad and he believes Ross Lyon’s side have a successful future ahead.
“Being one of the senior players, you look around the clubrooms and there is a lot of talent floating around and a lot of young guys that are pushing for spots in the senior squad,” Johnson said.
“To see young guys performing really well, you can see where the club is heading…I want to be a part of it.”
Dockers general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said he was pleased that Johnson had decided to stay on at the club.
“Michael has been an outstanding contributor to the club since he arrived in 2003 at pick 8 in the pre-season draft,” Lloyd said.
“He is a quality player and person who has performed at a high level for many years now.
“We look forward to his continued contribution to the football club.”
Johnson has played 192 games for the Dockers since making his debut in 2005.
He was selected in the All-Australian team in 2013 after helping Fremantle reach its first-ever grand final.
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