The Fremantle Dockers confirmed a further three changes to the club’s playing list on Wednesday, ahead of the AFL’s first list lodgement deadline.

Forward Michael Apeness and defender Ethan Hughes have been moved from the primary list and will be re-drafted and placed on the club’s rookie list in late November. 

The club has also committed to re-drafting defender Ryan Nyhuis on the rookie list.

The move frees up space on Fremantle’s primary list and will allow the club to better utilise its selections at the upcoming 2018 NAB AFL National Draft.

Fremantle will take selections in each of the first four rounds of the National Draft via picks 14, 31, 43 and 65 into the draft, with every player selected given two-year contracts on the primary list.

Hughes, 23, played five games for Fremantle in 2018, averaging 13.2 disposals.

Apeness, 23, also played five games for Fremantle in 2018, with his season cut short due to a hamstring injury sustained playing for Peel in the WAFL in July.

Nyhuis, 22, played eight games for Fremantle in 2018, averaging 11.9 disposals.

General manager of football Peter Bell said the list changes were a result of the 2018 NAB AFL Trade Period, where the club secured a pick in the first four rounds of the draft.

“These list changes are reflective of a successful Free Agency and Trade Period,” Bell said. 

“At the start of the Trade Period, Fremantle held just one pick in the opening four rounds but we now hold a pick in the first four rounds, where we plan to utilise the picks to secure new, young players.

“As a result, we have had to make some list changes to make room for the players we are looking to bring in through the draft.”

Fremantle have so far added six players to their primary list for 2019.

During the Free Agency/Trade Period, Fremantle brought in Jesse Hogan, Rory Lobb and Travis Colyer via trade and Reece Conca through free agency.

Rookie listed players Bailey Banfield and Taylin Duman were given senior-listed contracts for 2019, with Banfield signing for two years and Duman for one.

Fremantle list changes to date
Primary List
Jesse Hogan (traded in)
Rory Lobb (traded in)
Travis Colyer (traded in)
Reece Conca (free agency)
Bailey Banfield (elevated from the rookie list)
Taylin Duman (elevated from the rookie list)
Michael Johnson (retired)
Danyle Pearce (retired)
Lee Spurr (retired)
Lachie Neale (traded out)
Cameron Sutcliffe (delisted)
Tommy Sheridan (delisted)
Brady Grey (delisted)
Ethan Hughes (to be drafted in the Rookie Draft)
Michael Apeness (to be drafted in the Rookie Draft)

Rookie List
Ryan Nyhuis (to be drafted in the Rookie Draft)
Luke Strnadica (delisted)