Fremantle small forward Michael Walters has committed to the club through to the end of the 2016 season.

The 22-year-old, who was contracted through to the end of the 2014 season, signed a two-year extension. Freo’s pick no. 58 in the 2008 National Draft, Walters has played 29 games for the club since making his debut in round 11, 2009.

General  manager of player management Brad Lloyd said today that Walters’ development had seen him become an important member of the playing group.

“We see Michael as having a long-term future with the club and we’re really pleased that he has agreed to a contract extension,” Lloyd said.

Walters viewed the new deal as a show of faith by the club.

“The club is heading in the right direction and we’ve got a lot of young players coming through,” he said.

“It means a lot that the club has shown faith in me. I see a bright future and I’m hoping to be a part of it.”

Walters was also upbeat about his return to playing after a suffering a high ankle sprain in the round eight draw with Sydney at the SCG.

“The ankle injury is coming along nicely…it’s not as bad as we first thought,” he said.