Fremantle has secured the services of Port Adelaide 154-game player Danyle Pearce.

The 26-year-old was cleared to sign a contract with Freo and will leave Alberton under new free agency rules.

Pearce said the decision to leave Port was a difficult one for him and his family, but he now looked forward to making an impact at Fremantle.

“I would like to thank all at the Port Adelaide Football Club, especially my teammates whom I have shared the past eight years with,” he said.

“I would like to thank Ross Lyon and the Fremantle Football Club for the opportunity they have presented to me and look forward to the next chapter in my football career.”

Fremantle general manager of football Chris Bond said Pearce was a quality player who was very durable and capable of playing in a number of positions.

“He’s been playing in defence recently for Port Adelaide, but we see an opportunity for him to play midfield and forward as well,” he said.

“We think it’s a great opportunity for him and a great asset for the club.
“His strengths are his speed and his ball use and we think that he’s going to fit into the culture of our team.

“It’s an exciting time for us and it’s going to be an exciting time for Danyle.”

Rookie-listed by Port in 2005, Pearce went on to win the AFL Rising Star award in 2006 - the first rookie to do so.

He was also a part of Port Adelaide’s 2007 grand final side and was the inaugural winner of the Wanganeen Medal as Port’s best player under the age of 21 in 2006.