ZAC CLARKE has re-signed with Fremantle for one more season, turning his back on interest from clubs in his home state of Victoria.
Clarke was set to come out of contract at the end of next month but AFL.com.au can confirm the athletic 203cm ruckman has agreed to a new deal with the Dockers for 2016.
The 25-year-old will become a free agent for the first time at the end of next season, when he will be in a good position to assess his standing in Freo's ruck division.
The Dockers' long-time No.1 ruckman, Aaron Sandilands, is contracted for 2016 but the four-time All Australian will be nearly 34 by the end of next season and could then decide to retire, a move that would allow Clarke, Jonathon Griffin and Jack Hannath to stake a claim for Freo's No.1 ruck mantle.
The Dockers have also been linked with Brisbane Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger ahead of next month's free agency period.
Clarke played 14 games this season, including the qualifying final win over the Sydney Swans, but was dropped for last Friday night's preliminary final against Hawthorn when Griffin returned from a hamstring injury.
The former Oakley Charger made a strong start to 2015 but a subsequent form slide saw him spend an extended time in the WAFL after the Dockers' round 15 loss to Hawthorn.
Recalled in round 23, Clarke played his best game for some time a week later against the Swans, with Freo coach Ross Lyon later saying he had "competed really well" against opposing ruckmen Mike Pyke and Kurt Tippett.
Clarke has played 88 games for Fremantle since he was recruited with pick No.37 in the 2008 national draft.
He was a member of the Dockers' 2013 Grand Final team that lost to Hawthorn.