The Fremantle Football Club confirmed two changes to its playing list on Tuesday.

Midfielder Connor Blakely and forward Joel Western were informed they would not be offered contracts for the 2023 season.

Blakely comes off Fremantle’s rookie list and Western comes off Fremantle’s primary list.

Blakely was drafted at no.34 in 2014. He made his debut in 2015 and played 78 games for Fremantle, but did not make an AFL appearance in 2022.

The 26-year-old also played 49 games for Peel Thunder during his time at Fremantle, playing in their 2016 premiership team and winning the Simpson Medal as the best on ground.

A product of Fremantle’s NGA, Western was drafted by Fremantle at no.54 in 2020 and played four AFL games, all in 2021.

He also played 23 games for Peel in his time at Fremantle.

Fremantle’s Head of Player Personnel David Walls thanked the pair for their efforts in their time at the Club.

“It’s a difficult time of year when we have to make the tough decisions around our playing list and I’d like to acknowledge the contributions of both Connor and Joel to the Club,” Walls said.

“Connor has played a significant amount of football for us over a seven-year period, including 13 games in 2021 where he was primarily used in the difficult role of being our medical sub.

“We should also acknowledge his important contribution with Peel Thunder as a Simpson Medalist in their inaugural premiership side.

“Joel has had a long association with Fremantle, coming up through our Next Generation Academy, and it will be sad to see both him and Connor leave the Club.”

The departures are Fremantle’s first two official list changes of the 2022 off-season.

The AFL Trade Period will run from Monday 3 October to Wednesday 12 October.

The 2022 AFL National Draft will run from 28-29 November with the Rookie Draft on 30 November.