Zac Dawson will be at Fremantle until at least the end of 2017 after signing an extension with the club.

The tough defender joined Freo through the 2011 pre-season draft and has played 64 out of his 141-game AFL career at the club.

He said he was very happy to remain at Freo.

“It’s always great to sign a new deal and this is no different, I’m really happy about it,” Dawson said.

“Having such a good group and a great environment to live and play footy in is something that’s really important to me.”

Dawson, who was delisted by Hawthorn at the start of his career, later enjoyed a successful stint at St Kilda under Ross Lyon and followed the senior coach to Fremantle for the 2012 season.

He said being at a club that valued his contribution meant a lot to him.

“Feeling that I’m worth something and belong here is something that I treasure and I feel like I get that from all the guys and the administration and the coaches,” Dawson said.

“That’s pretty important.”

General manager of player management Brad Lloyd said Dawson had been a great acquisition for Freo.

“Zac’s hardly missed a game and he fills a key post, so he’s a really important player for us structurally,” he said.

“We’re rapt that he’s extended for another couple of years.”

Dawson’s pre-season has been compromised by a groin injury, but he was confident he’d return to action soon.

“It’s coming along, slow and steady,” he said.

“We’re aiming for another four weeks.

“Hopefully, without any other hiccups, I’ll be good to go early in the season.”