Fremantle defender Alex Pearce has agreed to terms to a two-year contract extension with Fremantle.

The deal will see the exciting young defender at the club until at least the end of the 2020 season, with the extension on top of the one year remaining in the 22-year-old’s original contract.

Pearce was a shining light in defence at the start of the 2016 season before he broke his leg in round nine and then re-injured the same leg in the following pre-season.

The emerging defender said after a long period in rehab he couldn’t wait to get back to playing footy in 2018.

“There’s no reason for me not to extend,” Pearce said.

“I’m really enjoying being around the club at the moment and I have a lot I want to achieve personally and with the club as well.”

Pearce has been in full training since early December after spending 560 days in rehab.

“It was a pretty big moment and pretty special to finally be back (on the track) and to have the boys acknowledge that and get around me was really special,” Pearce said.

General manager of list management Brad Lloyd said the 22-year-old has shown great leadership during his time at the club.

“We are thrilled to have Alex extend his contract for two more seasons,” Lloyd said.

“Alex is an important player for our growing playing list for the seasons ahead.

“He has shown some genuine leadership qualities that have developed in the time that he has been at the football club and we look forward to seeing him in action over the coming years.