Fremantle have secured the signatures of Hayden Ballantyne and Harley Bennell with the pair agreeing to one-year contracts to play on in 2019.
The signings round out a big week of contract news for Fremantle with six players committing to the club beyond 2018 with Ballantyne and Bennell joining David Mundy, Bailey Banfield, Taylin Duman and Hugh Dixon.
Ballantyne, who has kicked 17 goals so far this season, said he was excited to play for another year.
“I’m stoked to be around the club for another year,” Ballantyne said.
“Obviously, it’s probably coming towards the end of my career. It’s another year in the purple and I’m very proud to play at this club for such a long time.
“I look forward to some more good times ahead.”
As one of the most experienced on a young Fremantle list, Ballantyne said he was enjoying the challenge of passing on his knowledge to what is a talented and developing core of players.
“Their desire to chase and tackle is something that’s really impressed me,” Ballantyne said.
“Their work rate is there, there’s just a few little tools of the trade they need to learn really, getting in and getting the ball.
“They’re really developing that and it’s exciting for us going forward.”
The 166-game player stated the importance of having strong leaders at the club when he was coming through the ranks.
“It’s been a learning curve for me as well, having such a young team around,” Ballantyne said.
“I was used to having blokes like ‘Pav’ (Matthew Pavlich) around, who told me what to do, but now the shoe’s on the other foot and I’ve got to lead and direct myself.
“It’s something I’m learning as well and I’m really enjoying it.”
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Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said he was pleased to see Ballantyne sign on for another season.
“Hayden has once again been a valuable senior player in 2018 and has continued to contribute strongly both on and off the field,” Rosich said.
“His experience and leadership have been instrumental as Fremantle develops a young playing list, particularly with the guidance he provides to our young forwards.
“Only Matthew Pavlich has kicked more goals in a Fremantle jumper than Hayden (249) and we look forward to seeing him build on his career achievements in 2019.”
Bennell said he was hopeful of playing a role in Fremantle’s growth and development in 2019.
“I’m very excited, we’ve got a young bunch of boys coming through and I can’t wait to play with them in the coming season,” Bennell said.
“Coming back, I’ve played 10 games in the WAFL for Peel which has really helped me.
“As the season went on, I felt I got better each game.”
Bennell has played two games for Fremantle in three seasons due to multiple calf injuries and the 25-year-old spoke about the work he’s done with a ballet physiotherapist to help with strength and injury prevention.
“Our physio Jeff Boyle and I sat down with the ballet teacher and we just started working more on the footwork and the muscles in my foot that contract with the calf muscles as well,” Bennell said.
“We were doing that once a week with her and it’s really helped my top end sprints.”
Bennell thanked senior coach Ross Lyon and the club for their support as the talented midfielder looks to return to playing regular football.
“Ross has been really good. He’s been like a father figure for me since the day I got here,” Bennell said.
“His support as well as (general manager of football operations) Chris Bond and Steve Rosich have been outstanding. I’m just looking forward to working with them for the year ahead.”
Rosich praised Bennell’s work in the rehabilitation group and said he deserved the chance to continue his career at Fremantle.
“It’s pleasing that we are in a position to be able to offer Harley another contract,” Rosich said.
“Despite going through some tough periods with injury, Harley has continually kept his head up and worked extremely hard at getting back on the football field.
“We’ve seen Harley play 10 games in the WAFL this season and we have every hope he can return and play his best football in a Fremantle jumper.”
