Emerging midfielder Matthew Johnson has shown his commitment to the Fremantle Dockers by signing through to the 2026 season.
 
The deal is a one-year extension on top of his existing contract, meaning the 20-year-old is guaranteed at least another three years at Fremantle after this season.
 
Johnson was drafted at no.21 in the 2021 National Draft and was limited by a pre-season foot injury in his first year at the Club.
 
He broke through for his debut in round three of the 2023 season against West Coast, and has played 11 games so far this year, including seven full games where he has not been substituted on or off the ground.

Johnson is one of a number of talented inside midfielders at Fremantle under the age of 25, joined by the likes of Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong, Will Brodie and fellow 2021 draftee Neil Erasmus.
 
He said he was thrilled to be a part of Fremantle’s future.
 
“I'm rapt to be able to sign on with the Club for an extra year, obviously I’m really happy with where the Club's heading and I’m glad to be a part of it,” Johnson said.
 
“I’m trying to improve week to week so I'm not looking too far ahead, but I think at the moment, we're heading in a good direction.
 
“We've got a super talented midfield group and it's a pleasure to be a part of it. We're working hard to keep improving.
 
“Personally, I'm starting to play some reasonable footy, so hopefully I can keep building on that.”

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Slated as a future inside midfielder, Johnson showed his capability in round 13 against Richmond where he attended 11 centre bounces and finished the game with 25 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven clearances and six tackles.
 
He said he was yet to play a game where he was satisfied with his performance as he adjusts to playing at the highest level.
 
“It's definitely a huge step up and each week brings different challenges,” Johnson said.
 
“Being able to put a few games together, I'm starting to get a bit more of a feel for it all.
 
“I probably haven't played a whole game where I've been super happy with how I've gone, it's more about bringing more consistency across four quarters and I’ll keep trying to build on that.”

Head of Player Personnel David Walls said Johnson was eager to extend his time with Fremantle.
 
“He's loving it. Talking with ‘Johnno’ and his management, he wanted to show some loyalty back to the Club. With the way he's going, we wanted to sign him out too,” Walls said.
 
“We agreed to add a year onto his contract and that's great for him for security, but also great for us as he keeps growing.
 
“He joins that midfield blend with Caleb Serong and Andy Brayshaw, and he keeps learning from those two.”
 
Walls praised Johnson for making the most of his opportunity at AFL level.
 
“He went through a period where he was playing really strong WAFL footy and deserved an opportunity. It was just about waiting for one to open up and cementing his spot, and he's been able to do that,” Walls said.
 
“His height is a point of difference in there. He's filled out beautifully. Being a 193 centimetre mid and a beautiful ball user, things open up for him.”

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