Fremantle’s Hayden Ballantyne has agreed to terms for a one-year contract extension, which will see the exciting small forward in Freo colours for a 10th season in 2018.
The 2014 All Australian has kicked 232 goals in 151 games for Fremantle and sits second in the club's all-time goal kicking list behind Matthew Pavlich.
Ballantyne said he was excited about what Fremantle’s emerging side can produce in 2018.
“It’s great to sign on. It was exciting to see the young guys coming through this year,” Ballantyne said.
“They played some good footy. Hopefully, next year we can get some more wins on the board and continue to improve and grow our young playing group.”
General manager of list management Brad Lloyd said Ballantyne’s leadership would help shape Freo’s future.
“We’re really happy to have Hayden committed for the 2018 season,” Lloyd said.
“He has made a significant contribution to the club since being drafted in 2008 and had big impact in games and is a strong leader at the football club."
It was a tough 2017 for Ballantyne, injuring his hamstring in Freo’s JLT Community Series clash on 10 March against Carlton at Domain Stadium.
The injury saw Ballantyne miss the opening 12 games of the season, kicking 11 goals from the following 10 games, including two in Freo’s season finale against Essendon.
After an interrupted start to the year, Ballantyne felt the season ended just as he was hitting his straps.
“I was flat when the season ended to be honest, as I was just starting to get a kick towards the end,” Ballantyne said.
“I only played 10 games but next year, I’ll be pushing for a good pre-season and hopefully, a big season in 2018.
“It’s only early in the off-season so I haven’t set any goals for 2018 but I definitely will focus on having a big pre-season, staying fit and looking to play every game.”
