Promising Fremantle players Taylin Duman and Stefan Giro have signed two-year contract extensions that will see them at Freo until at least the end of the 2021 season.

Both Duman and Giro arrived at Fremantle as rookies, with Duman selected via pick no.3 in the 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Draft and Giro selected via pick no.21 the following year.

The pair both made their debuts in 2018, each playing 10 AFL games as a part of a young Fremantle lineup.

Duman proved himself as an athletic and smart defender at AFL level, with his season highlighted by a 24 disposal and eight mark effort against Collingwood in round 23.

His two-year contract extension goes on top of a one-year deal signed for the 2019 season that saw the 20-year-old elevated to the senior list.

Giro will complete his pre-existing rookie contract for the 2019 season and will be elevated to the senior list for the 2020 and 2021 seasons as a part of his new deal.

The speedy midfielder averaged 14.7 disposals and 3.5 tackles per game in 2018 and frequently ran farther than any other player on the ground.

The 19-year-old continued to prove his running ability through this pre-season, winning all three of Fremantle’s 2km time trials.

Fremantle list manager Mark Micallef said that he expects the pair to play an important role as a part of a youthful core at the club.

“It’s really exciting for Fremantle to have both Taylin and Stefan to commit for two years at this time of year,” Micallef said.

“We think they have really bright futures at the football club and it’s a really important step for us long-term.

“Taylin really impressed us last year with his development. He’s an intercept player who we think can hold down a defensive role in the back half.

“Stefan’s a hard running outside midfielder and we’re really impressed with how he’s approached this pre-season and gone about his football.

“Both players have shown the trademarks of the Fremantle Football Club on and off the field and we think both two-year extensions for these boys was warranted.”

Duman said the contract extension only adds to what has been a positive pre-season.

“I don’t feel like I’m missed a beat so far, touch wood. I feel really strong, that I’m getting a lot fitter and I’m working really hard on my football craft as well,” Duman said.

“It was really good to finish off the year against Collingwood strongly and, hopefully, I can use that momentum and use that belief that I’ve gained to fight for a round one spot this year.

“I’m really excited to extend with Freo. The mood at the club is really strong at the moment. Everyone is really happy with where we’re at so far this pre-season but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

Giro also said he was thrilled to be a part of Fremantle’s future.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m excited for what the future holds at Fremantle,” Giro said.

“I think we’ve got something special here so I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what we can achieve.

“I’m looking forward to competing for a spot in the team. I can’t wait to get the JLT series underway and see how I go from there.”