Michael Walters is focused on being a one-club player at Fremantle after signing a two-year extension that will see him at the club until at least the end of the 2022 season.

The extension is on top of his initial contract through to the end of the 2020 season.

“I’m really committed to this footy club,” Walters said.

“To be a one-club player is exciting for me. I’m from WA and from Perth and I’ve been here 10 years. To have my family come to the majority of my games has been exciting for me.”

The 27-year-old played 18 games in 2018 as a forward and midfielder, averaging 20 disposals per game and kicking 22 goals.

Walters said he was looking forward to continuing his role as a leader at Fremantle.

“Everyone knows there’s going to be a bright future with our young group,” Walters said.

“I think I’m in the top-five eldest players at the club now and I’ll be 28 next year. I’m very excited to be a part of it for the next four years.

“The culture here is strong as a footy club. As I keep saying, we do have a young group and the exciting part is, they can play with each other for a number of years and that chemistry is just going to get stronger.”

Walters said he was looking forward to getting started for his 11th pre-season, where he will be joined by a number of new Fremantle players brought in through the trade period. 

“It’s exciting to have Reece Conca, Travis Colyer, Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb to come in and show us what they’ve got. They’re WA boys and it’s always good to bring them home,” Walters said.

“I can’t wait to get back into training. The off-season program has been pretty tough and we’re starting to hit our straps now.

“I’m going to relax for the next couple of weeks and spend time with the family but I definitely can’t wait to get back.”

General manager of football Peter Bell said Walters would continue to play an important on and off-field role in developing Fremantle’s next wave of talented players.

“It’s exciting to know we will have Michael at the club for at least another four seasons,” Bell said. 

“We all know how hard Michael works on and off the field and that attitude he brings to his planning, preparation and playing sets an important example. 

“He’s been a part of the leadership group for two seasons and we know he will play a crucial role in the development of our young playing group.”