Fremantle’s senior coach Ross Lyon has agreed to a two-year extension mid-way through his original four-year tenure.

Regarded as one of the best coaches in the AFL, Lyon was contracted through to the end of 2015 when he first signed with the club in September 2011.

Lyon, who has now committed to the club through to the end of season 2017, said his decision to agree to a contract extension, was “first and foremost” influenced by the players and their endeavour and desire to achieve.

“We are in the business of building a great club and I know everyone at the club – players, coaches, administration staff and commercial operations – are trying to take that next step and continue to build,” he said.

“The pillars of leadership here that sit above me and I report to – (president) Steve Harris and his board, (CEO) Steve Rosich and Chris Bond as head of football – have strong, transparent relationships and everyone works really hard with strong integrity to achieve the task at hand.

“We are here to build a great club and great clubs win premierships and that’s what we want to be.”

Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said securing Lyon’s contract extension was integral to the club’s strategic aim of achieving sustained success.

“Ross’s work ethic, expertise and determination to excel in all areas of football have had a tremendous influence throughout the club, as evidenced by our recent success including playing finals in consecutive years for the first time and playing in the 2013 Grand Final,” Rosich said.

“The challenge for everyone at Fremantle is to continue our focus on improvement and we believe that Ross is integral to that aim.”

“Ross is a highly motivated and driven person who has many fine traits that we believe are the right combination to maximise our potential on the field.”