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Dockers boosted by mass signings

02/09/2010 07:54:10 PM Comments (0)

Fremantle have re-signed eight players ahead of Saturday's final against Hawthorn.

Stephen Hill was already contracted to the club until the end of 2012 but has signed on for an additional year, meaning Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney will be unable to poach him under their generous concessions over the next two years.

Defender Roger Hayden has signed a one-year extension until the end of 2011, while Jesse Crichton, Matthew de Boer, Garrick Ibbotson, Dylan Roberton and Alex Silvagni have agreed to terms through to the end of 2012.

Hill and Greg Broughton are locked in until the end of 2013.

"To have a significant group of players commit to Fremantle is great news for our members and supporters and an endorsement of where we are heading as a club," general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said.

Hill, taken ahead of Daniel Rich with pick No.3 in the 2008 national draft, has been a key midfield weapon for the Dockers this season, with his devastating speed and deadly finishing giving Fremantle vital attacking potency.

The 20-year-old has struggled at times to deal with close tags but Dockers coach Mark Harvey is confident the 76kg speedster will cope better as he builds experience.

Fremantle made three changes to the side that defeated Carlton last week, with veteran midfielder Paul Hasleby the biggest casualty.

Hasleby was dropped along with Jay van Berlo, while Hayden Ballantyne (foot) couldn't be considered.

Into the side comes Ryan Crowley, Silvagni and Crichton.

Hasleby has already announced he will retire at season's end, meaning his 12-disposal effort against the Blues could be his final outing for the Dockers.

Fremantle veteran Des Headland was named as an emergency alongside Rhys Palmer and Kepler Bradley.

The Hawks made just one change, recalling inspirational midfielder Luke Hodge to replace Rhan Hooper (soreness).

Fremantle's squad contains 11 first or second year players but ruckman Aaron Sandilands is confident the club's young players won't be overwhelmed by nerves against the battle-hardened Hawks.

"I don't see why they won't cope any differently to what they have all year," Sandilands said on Thursday.

"We had a big game on Friday night against Carlton and our younger players led the way, so I can't see this week being any different.

"They've been amazing this year all the young kids coming through.

"Last year we got a lot of game time into them and it's put them in good stead.

"Hopefully they can come out firing for us and put us in good stead to winning the game." Sandilands missed rounds 19-21 with a foot injury but said the break had left him refreshed and in top shape for the finals.

"The medical staff got it right. I'm playing pain free at the moment," he said.

"The foot's really good. Pulled up good after the game, so I'm 100 per cent."

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