Dockers target Lawson Humphries again as O’Meara re-signs

Dockers maintain interest in Geelong defender

Fremantle has confirmed it will continue to pursue Geelong half-back Lawson Humphries during future trade periods, despite failing to secure a deal for the 23-year-old in the most recent window. The Dockers were heavily linked to the Swan Districts product throughout the trade period, but Geelong shut down any potential negotiations immediately.

List boss David Walls told The West Australian that the club remains eager to add Humphries to its roster over the coming years. Walls acknowledged the difficulty of prying a contracted player away from another club, particularly one who feels a strong sense of loyalty to his current team.

“We’re always looking at ways to get better, and if we could bring Lawson in, he’d definitely make us better, that’s for sure,” Walls said.

Humphries is contracted to the Cats for two more seasons. Walls noted that the defender is a lifelong Fremantle supporter, a factor the club hopes to leverage in future discussions. However, he recognised that Humphries currently feels indebted to Geelong for drafting and developing him.

“He’s a loyal sort of guy… He’s the same at Geelong at the moment and committed to them for the next couple [of years]. And we’ll keep asking the question,” Walls said.

Veteran and rookie secure extensions

While the pursuit of Humphries continues, Fremantle secured immediate list stability by signing veteran midfielder Jaeger O’Meara and rookie small forward Leon Kickett to one-year contracts. O’Meara, 32, and Kickett will remain with the club for the upcoming season.

The Dockers had a relatively quiet trade period overall. Their only acquisition was 191cm wingman Dominic Bedendo, who joined as a delisted free agent from the Western Bulldogs. Bedendo, 24, spent the past two years playing for VFL club Port Melbourne after being delisted by the Bulldogs following four seasons with limited senior appearances.

Walls expressed confidence that Bedendo could provide immediate depth to the senior side if required in 2027. He described the wingman as super fit and strong, noting that he had been on the club’s radar for some time.

“He’s improved, and I feel like he’ll come in and be immediate depth,” Walls said. “He’ll learn a few of our forward roles, the win role as well, and I expect him to be pushing for selection.”

The club also faces a decision regarding father-son product Jaren Carr. Management will determine whether to keep the hard-running wingman on the senior list or delist and redraft him as a rookie.

Original source: The West . Access to the original article may depend on the publisher’s paywall or subscription settings.