Dockers morale high as eight re-sign

Fri 3 Sep

Fremantle have received a massive morale boost ahead of Saturday's elimination final against Hawthorn, with eight players agreeing to new AFL deals.

Gun midfielder Stephen Hill was already contracted to the club until the end of 2012 but has signed on for an additional year, meaning Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney will be unable to poach him under their generous concessions over the next two years.

Defender Roger Hayden has signed a one-year extension until the end of 2011, while Jesse Crichton, Matthew de Boer, Garrick Ibbotson, Dylan Roberton and Alex Silvagni have agreed to terms through to the end of 2012.

Hill and Greg Broughton are locked in until the end of 2013.

"To have a significant group of players commit to Fremantle is great news for our members and supporters and an endorsement of where we are heading as a club," general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said.

Hill, taken ahead of Daniel Rich with pick No.3 in the 2008 national draft, has been a key midfield weapon for the Dockers this season, with his devastating speed and deadly finishing giving Fremantle vital attacking potency.

Fremantle's squad contains 11 first or second year players but ruckman Aaron Sandilands is confident the club's young players won't be overwhelmed by nerves against the battle-hardened Hawks. - aap