Up and coming defender Heath Chapman has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him at Fremantle until at least the end of the 2024 season.
The deal is on top of his initial two-year contract from when Fremantle selected him at no.14 in the 2020 NAB AFL National Draft.
Cheer on our AFLW stars this Sunday at Fremantle Oval! Get your tickets for Freo v Melbourne
Chapman has more than justified his ‘first rounder’ status this pre-season, impressing with his contested marking and competitiveness on the training track and in match simulations.
The 19-year old said he was eager to commit to Fremantle and be a part of the Club’s emerging young list.
“It’s awesome. I was super keen (to sign) to be honest. It’s very exciting times,” Chapman said.
“There’s definitely something brewing at Freo and I’m really excited to be a part of it for the next four years at least.
“It’s good now knowing that I’ve got four years, I can really knuckle down and work on improving my game, learn the system and develop really strong relationships with the boys and, hopefully, we can go all the way to some team success.”
Chapman has been relishing being a part of Fremantle’s backline group and learning from his fellow defenders, including second-year player Hayden Young and All Australian Luke Ryan.
“It’s great to have such depth and such talent (in defence),” Chapman said.
“I’ve been living with ‘Youngy’ and his professionalism has been really good to learn from.
“I’ve learnt a lot from Luke Ryan at training, he’s been a good support. Watching Coxy … they’re all really good to learn off and soaking information off them and a bit of their trade.
“Luke Ryan at training has been a really good support for me, just in terms of positioning, trying to get in the right spots, and helping me understand the game plan a bit better. He’s been a good leader in that aspect.”
Head of player personnel David Walls said the Club was thrilled with Chapman’s diligence and desire to have a long career at Fremantle.
“It’s a great result. We see him being a long-term player at Fremantle and we wanted to make that commitment to him. He was also keen to make the commitment to Fremantle, to be here for the long haul and be a part of what we’re trying to build,” Walls said.
“We really rated him in the draft and he was our first pick. It was great to get a local from West Perth.
“He’s extremely diligent, professional and just wants to learn and get better. He’s settled in really well into the backline group. We’re hopeful he keeps getting better and better.”
Fremantle to appeal Treacy charge
Back to front? Defenders put their hands up
Sturt hits a milestone
Gallery: Freo players in action for Peel v Perth
