FREMANTLE defender Zac Dawson has signed a two-year contract extension but he may miss the early part of the home and away season due to a groin injury.
 
The stingy full-back was contracted until the end of 2015, but the new deal will see him remain at the Dockers through to the end of the 2017 season.
 
However, Dawson's availability for round one of the 2015 home and away season appears unlikely after experiencing some lingering groin soreness post-Christmas. He is being carefully managed and said he is still a month away.
 
"It's coming along, slow and steady,” Dawson told the club's website.
 
"We're aiming for another four weeks.
 
"Hopefully, without any other hiccups, I'll be good to go early in the season."
 
The 29-year-old has cemented himself as a permanent fixture in Ross Lyon's backline since joining Fremantle at the end of the 2011 season.
 
Dawson played 22 games in 2014 and is a pivotal member of the defence alongside veterans Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson.
 
"It's always great to sign a new deal and this is no different, I'm really happy about it," Dawson said.
 
"Having such a good group and a great environment to live and play footy in is something that’s really important to me."
 
It's an important signing for the Dockers considering McPharlin's likely retirement at the end of this season.
 
The former Hawk and Saint has played 141 games in eight seasons in the AFL after originally being drafted by Hawthorn at pick No.41 in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft.