Midfielder Adam Cerra has informed Fremantle of his intentions to return to his home state of Victoria.

The 21-year-old was drafted to Fremantle with pick no.5 in the 2017 NAB AFL National Draft and has played 76 games for the Club over his four seasons.

Cerra’s breakout season as a 20-year-old in 2020 saw him finish third in the Doig Medal and earn selection in the AFL Players’ Association 22under22 team.

Executive general manager of football operations Peter Bell said the Club was disappointed to be losing a player of Cerra’s quality, but recognised his reasons to leave, with Cerra telling Fremantle he was making the request to be closer to his family and friends in Victoria.

“Since his arrival in 2017, Adam Cerra has been everything we hoped we would get from a number five selection in the draft, which only highlights our disappointment in his decision,” Bell said.

“Our disappointment comes with the understanding that Adam is making this request purely based on his desire to be closer to his family and friends, something that has been especially difficult for our interstate players in the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Since 2017, we have invested a lot into Adam both on and off the field, and we are proud of the person he is and the footballer he is.

“It’s easy to forget that he is only 21, with many years ahead until he reaches the peak of his abilities.”

The AFL Trade Period commences in October.

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