Fremantle have secured the signature of veteran midfielder David Mundy for another season, with the 292-game player excited about playing on in 2019.
Mundy has been one of Fremantle’s best and most consistent players in his 14th season, taking on multiple roles in the midfield and forward line.
With 17 goals this year, Mundy has already eclipsed his season best while continuing to win a lot of the football with 22.8 disposals per game.
The 33-year-old’s reliability and experience has been vital in guiding a young Fremantle squad on and off the field.
“I’m fortunate enough to be offered another contract, so I’ll be continuing my individual journey for at least another year at Fremantle,” Mundy said.
“I’m very thankful for being able to play AFL football and I feel very lucky that this can continue.”
Mundy has been one of 28 Fremantle players to rotate through the centre square bounces this season – the most in the AFL.
The group includes the likes of first-year players Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Bailey Banfield, Mitch Crowden and Stefan Giro, who are cutting their teeth at AFL level.
As one of the most senior players on Fremantle’s list, Mundy said he’s embraced the chance to bring these young players through.
“It’s been a challenging couple of years but I think we’ve seen another step forward in our progression, Mundy said.
“To see some of the young guys coming on this year has been really exciting.
“I’ve found it great. I’ve enjoyed my role in that and, hopefully, those guys have got something out of it and find it beneficial as well.
“I certainly enjoy the challenge, first of all of performing on game day, and interacting with the guys throughout the week and passing on some of my knowledge.”
While Mundy hasn’t ruled out playing football beyond 2019, he is also keeping an eye on his future post-football and is on the cusp of graduating from Murdoch University with a marine science degree.
“Hopefully, I get through my final two units this semester and graduate from university this year. That will be great,” Mundy said.
“It’s a part-time endeavour so it’s taken a long time. I’m very lucky to have been able to give it the time and effort, and Fremantle played a huge role in that.”
Mundy also paid tribute to his family, especially wife Sally, for her support in both his sporting and academic endeavours.
“I’ve got a young family and my wife has been incredible,” Mundy said.
“She’s really helped me become the football player and the university student that I’ve become and she’s done a lot of the heavy lifting with the children, especially as we near game day, so (re-signing with Fremantle) was a family decision.”
Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said Mundy’s contract extension was important for a club looking to continue the development of a young playing list.
Mundy is one of four players to re-sign with Fremantle this week, joining 2018 debutants Bailey Banfield and Taylin Duman as well as forward prospect Hugh Dixon.
“David is an incredibly important player at Fremantle, both for his contribution on the field and the work he does as a part of the leadership group,” Rosich said.
“This season, Fremantle have seen more debutants and more games played by debutants than any other AFL club, and it’s been invaluable to have a player of David’s experience and calibre as one of our on-field leaders during this time.
“David is already established as one of the greats in Fremantle Football Club history and I’m sure that will only be cemented next year with his 300-game milestone on the horizon.”
