FREMANTLE livewire Michael Walters has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain a Docker until the end of the 2018 season.

 

Walters still had two years to run on his existing deal but the Dockers have secured the services of the talented small forward for the long term.

 

The 23-year-old, who kicked 46 goals in 2013 and made the All Australian 40-man squad, told the Fremantle website that he had signed long-term for family reasons and out of loyalty to the club that showed faith in him during his struggles of 2012.

 

"I signed especially for my family, the security to stay here for another four years - I'll be 27 at that stage," Walters said.

 

"In 2012 my career was over, and I wasn't sure if I was going to get another contract or whether I was going to be here.

"I want to show faith to the club that I'm going to stay, because they showed faith in me."

 

Walters turned himself into a genuine match-winner for the Dockers in 2013 after being banished in early 2012 for failing to meet the minimum training standards.

 

The left-footer was sorely missed for large parts of 2014 after a serious ankle injury in round three curtailed his year. He returned late in the season to have an impact in the finals.

 

Fremantle's general manager of player management, Brad Lloyd, described Walters' turnaround as an inspiration to the playing group.

 

"Michael has made a tremendous turnaround in his career and he is now one of the hardest workers in the team and a great example for our younger players," Lloyd said.

"We're very excited to have Michael committing long-term to the club."