FREMANTLE star Lachie Neale has ended months of speculation by signing a three-year contract extension with Fremantle.

The 23-year-old South Australian – who leads the AFL in possessions this year with an average of 32.8 – had been on the wish-list of several clubs, but the Dockers announced on Saturday that they had secured his signature until the end of 2019.

In a club statement, Freo's list manager Brad Lloyd expressed his delight at retaining the prolific midfielder.

"Lachie has been an important player for the football club for a number of years now," Lloyd said.

"His application to his football was evident from the day he arrived and he has steadily improved to be a strong performer on a weekly basis.

"We are very happy to see Lachie extend his contract with the club."

The Glenelg product, who was selected at No.58 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, would be a runaway leader in Fremantle's best and fairest award and is a strong candidate for All Australian selection.

His signing is some rare good news in a dark season for the Dockers, who became the first team in history to plummet to 0-10 after being minor premiers the previous year.

Dockers whose contracts expire at season's end include Michael Barlow, Chris Mayne, Tendai Mzungu, Matt de Boer, Zac Clarke, Clancee Pearce and Alex Silvagni.