James Aish will make his third AFL club his long-term home after signing a three-year deal that will see the 26-year-old remain in Freo colours until at least 2025.

The South Australian has traversed the country in pursuit of a footy career, drafted to Brisbane at no.7 in 2013 before a 50-game career at Collingwood and arriving at Freo in 2020.

Aish’s versatility and experience has made him an invaluable asset to Senior Coach Justin Longmuir and his game plan, who has dubbed Aish the ‘Mr Fix It’ of the team.

He’s played a range of roles including half back, wing, midfield and even tagging – with his efforts on Clayton Oliver in round 11 against Melbourne key to Freo’s famous comeback win at the MCG.

2022 is Aish’s first season where he’s averaged more than 20 disposals, while also having career highs in marks, inside 50s, clearances and contested possessions.

Aish feels he’s coming into his own now he’s established himself at Fremantle, with 59 games in the past three seasons.

“It probably does take a year or two to feel a part of the group and the Club as a whole,” Aish said.

“I feel that now. Having all the fans coming to the games and a bit of atmosphere building around the Club has been awesome. I’m loving being a part of it.

“It’s great to get the contract out of the way leading into finals.”

While Aish is still approaching his prime years, his 141 games played makes him Fremantle’s sixth most experienced player.

Aish is eager to pass on his experience and lead, but he’s also been impressed with how mature the Fremantle playing group already is.

“My main reason to sign was where the Club is heading,” Aish said.

“It’s largely the younger guys driving the group now, it’s really exciting and hopefully I can play a role in helping out on and off the field and hopefully there’s success to come.”

Alongside David Mundy, Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters, he was one of four players in Fremantle’s team against GWS in round 23 that have AFL finals experience to their name.

As well as his four finals in 2018 and preliminary final in 2019, Aish has won two SANFL premierships as a teenager to add to his family’s storied legacy at Norwood.

“I’ve had a few little chats with the guys who have been asking questions (about playing finals),” Aish said.

“The best thing the guys with experience can do is give a consistent voice on and off the field leading into the game.

“We’ll keep preparation pretty normal. On field, the intensity does raise, so it’s being able to be a level head out there.

“I think the week off does help so we can build into it. We have an open training tomorrow (Saturday morning at Cockburn ARC), so that will be good to get a bit of the atmosphere and then we can focus on the game.”

Head of Player Personnel David Walls said Aish had been instrumental in helping Longmuir embed his gameplan within the group.

“JL had great faith in him as he worked with him closely at Collingwood,” Walls said.

“He can do any role for the team and the coach loves him for the flexibility he provides.

“That flexibility comes because he has the experience and the mental capacity to do it, as well as the football attributes to play the different roles.

“He probably feels settled for the first time in his career and he’s now played more games at Fremantle than he has at any other team.”

Walls said Aish had been an important connector between Fremantle’s younger and more experienced players.

“He’s built great relationships at the Club, particularly with our younger players,” Walls said.

“He gets along really well with everyone and that allows him to set the standards with his leadership.

“With another three years, he can become entrenched and be a real Fremantle person. Hopefully he can get to enjoy some success in the coming years.”

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