VETERAN Fremantle defender Michael Johnson will play into a 14th season after signing a one-year contract extension.
Johnson appeared in every game this year, building into the campaign after a slow start coming back from an injury-ruined 2016 and controversial off-season.
The 32-year-old remains an important member of the Dockers' developing backline, especially in the long-term absence of promising young tall Alex Pearce due to a broken leg.
"I'm stoked to be a part of Fremantle for another year," Johnson said.
"We’ve got a really young crop of players who have been playing all year, so to be one of the older guys seeing these younger guys coming through while playing some really consistent footy for Fremantle, is a good sign.
"I’m excited to be a part of it and, hopefully, in the years to come the Fremantle Football Club will be one of the powerhouses of the competition."
Johnson averaged 16.3 disposals and 5.6 marks this season, and is 19 games shy of becoming the fourth Docker to hit the 250-match milestone.
"I’m really happy with the way I’m going at the moment," Johnson said.
"There’s no post-season surgery which is a bonus, I haven’t had that for a number of years now so hopefully, day one of pre-season training I’m raring to go."
Johnson will first stand trial next month after pleading not guilty to an assault charge stemming from an incident in a Leederville kebab shop last November.
The veteran hit the headlines when he was accused of striking a 23-year-old man who was filming him with his pants down after teammate Jonathon Griffin's wedding.
Johnson admitted in June he had "massive regrets" about the incident, and he stood down from the leadership group in the aftermath.
But list manager Brad Lloyd said the rangy 195cm backman was still a leader around the club.
"Michael’s been an outstanding player for the club for many years now," Lloyd said.
"He came in the pre-season draft in 2003 and he’s been an important player around the football club. He’s played a significant role in helping the club by bringing through our talented young up and coming players.
"He’s a leader in the backline, he really gives strong direction and he also contributed himself with his attributes, ball-use and intercept marking."
