Fremantle have secured the immediate playing future of running defender/winger Jason Carter with a one-year contract extension and will remain with Freo until at least the end of the 2020 season.

The exciting Next Generation Academy product originally signed with Fremantle as a category B rookie at the end of 2018 and is grateful to remain with Freo.

“I’m really excited and thankful for the opportunity that Fremantle has given me,” Carter said.

“You learn to never take things for granted…and I’ll take this opportunity to keep working harder.”

Hailing from Wyndham in the Kimberley, Carter is the first footballer from his hometown to be selected on an AFL list.

“In Wyndham, you learn how to play quickly in the sun and the heat,” Carter said.

“It is different coming down to Perth…you learn how to develop and adjust to the weather and the competition as well.”

Carter praised Fremantle’s NGA program and credits former Fremantle player and NGA coach Tendai Mzungu for help with his development.

“It has been amazing having the experience of playing against bigger bodies and tougher opponents,” Carter said.

“Having Tendai as a role model is a good support…and having his experience has helped me with my journey.”

Fremantle list manager Mark Micallef said the coaching staff was pleased with Carter’s effort so far in 2019.

“Jason has displayed great attributes playing in the WAFL this season, so we believed that he deserved another year,” Micallef said.

“We really like what he is doing in building his football capabilities.

Micallef echoed Carter’s sentiments of Freo’s NGA program.

“It’s a massive credit to the development group and the NGA staff,” Micallef said.

“When Jason came to Fremantle, it was a seamless transition for him and he has grabbed this opportunity with both hands and made the most of it.”

Carter acknowledged Fremantle’s support of its Indigenous players, as a main factor for wanting to stay.

The 19-year-old was part of a recent Indigenous Player Stories session, an opportunity for Carter (alongside former players Roger Hayden and Michael Johnson) to share his story with the rest of the playing group and staff.

“I took the opportunity to talk about my family, culture and connection with country,” Carter said.

“The club has been strong on it and definitely supportive for the Indigenous players.”