Fremantle can confirm Joel Hamling has chosen to explore his options as an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
The 30-year-old was offered a contract extension for next season following a return to AFL footy in 2023 but has accepted a contract offer from Sydney.
Due to Hamling being delisted by Geelong in 2014 the 194cm defender falls under the delisted free agent category and is free to move to a Club of their choice, with no trade required.
The premiership defender moved back West from the Western Bulldogs in 2016 and only missed four games in his first three seasons at the Club.
Following injury-interrupted seasons between 2020 and 2022, Hamling managed to play four AFL games and 17 WAFL games in 2023.
The defender played a significant role in Peel Thunder’s WAFL grand final appearance this year and assisted the development of upcoming defenders Hugh Davies, Karl Worner and Josh Draper.
Executive General Manager of Football Peter Bell said Hamling had a hard choice to weigh up with his future.
“Joel has been a highly valued member of our team since he joined the Club at the end of 2016,” Bell said.
“He was a consistent performer down back for us before he sustained a significant ankle injury in the pre-season of 2020.
“To see Joel return to AFL football this year after such a long period out of the game and play the football we know he is capable of was really pleasing to see.
“It is always a hard time of year, but Joel has a young family and clearly his decision to explore his options as a delisted free agent played a factor in that.
“We wish him all the best and thank him for his contribution to the Freo Family.
The Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period will commence on Monday 9 October and wrap up on Wednesday 18 October.
