FREMANTLE has re-signed one of its most dependable defenders, with former mature-age rookie Lee Spurr re-signing until the end of 2018.

Spurr, 28, was due to come out of contract at the end of this season but recently signed a new two-year deal with the Dockers.

The Queenslander had to wait until he was 24 to make his AFL debut, playing in three SANFL premierships with Central District before Freo took him in the rookie draft at the end of 2011.

But Spurr has made up for lost time since running out with the Dockers for the first time in round six, 2012, against Gold Coast.

Since round 16 that season, he has missed just four senior games – two of them through injury and one when he was rested in round 23 last year – while he has finished fifth, seventh and eighth in Freo's past three best and fairest counts.

Spurr was also voted into Fremantle's leadership group ahead of the 2014 season and has continued in that role ever since.

The 182cm defender plays predominantly on small forwards but is capable of manning taller and stronger opponents when required.

An excellent kick on both feet, he has become a more attacking backman in recent seasons, finishing equal second for rebound 50s at Freo last year (56).

Spurr's ability to direct his teammates inside the Dockers' defensive 50 is also highly regarded by the club.

Spurr told Fremantle's club website on Thursday that the Dockers' playing group was upbeat despite its 0-4 start to 2016.

"We're really up and energised," he said.

"We took some real positives from the North Melbourne game.

"We played some really good footy in patches and identified a few areas to improve.

"If we can nail them we can be a really competitive side, and we think we're in pretty good shape."