The Fremantle Dockers have agreed to contract extensions with Ethan Hughes, Danyle Pearce and rookie Matthew Uebergang.
Hughes and Pearce signed two-year extensions that will keep them at Freo until the end of 2018, while Uebergang signed a one-year rookie contract extension that will see him remain at the club until the end of 2017.
Hughes played his second career game for Freo on Saturday and acquitted himself well, finishing with 10 disposals and three contested marks against GWS.
The opportunity to continue his development as a player was a key component in signing the extension, according to Hughes.
“It’s a great opportunity to be here at the club,” Hughes said.
“We’re in a development process at the moment, so the ability to stick around is a great pleasure.
“It’s something that I’m really looking forward to.”
Pearce is coming off a strong 26 disposal, one goal performance against the Giants, and signed on with Freo, citing the club’s emerging young players and his role as a leader as a key reason for his commitment.
“It’s great that I’ve been given an extension,” Pearce said.
“I think we have a great young list coming through, we’re seeing a lot of younger boys coming up and starting to contribute to the senior team.
“I’m looking forward to helping the young players improve and get better and also being able to see their growth every day.”
Rookie-listed Matthew Uebergang signed a one-year extension, the key forward has been a solid performer for Peel Thunder and continues to grow each week, according to senior development/assistant coach Peter Sumich.
Fremantle’s general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said the club was delighted to re-sign the three.
“It’s really pleasing to have them commit to the club,” Lloyd said.
“We see them all making contributions to the senior team going forward.
“They’re all at different stages of their development, with Danyle being an experienced senior player, Ethan and Matthew in their development phases.
"We’re delighted they’ve all extended.”
Lloyd said Pearce has been an integral part of Freo since joining the club, and that Hughes and Uebergang both possess the qualities to play consistent senior football.
“Danyle’s been an important player for us since coming to us in 2012,” he said.
“He’s really embraced the club and the role within the playing group.
“Ethan Hughes has some really strong athletic attributes for the AFL level and we look forward to seeing his continued dedication with his footy.
“Matthew’s a promising forward option, he has good size and athletic capabilities and has really embraced the program since coming in as a rookie.”
