Fremantle have announced a two-year contract extension for young defender Karl Worner, which will see him remain at the Club until at least 2027. 

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a career-best 2025 season, playing 18 games, including 17 straight matches dating back to Round 3. 

“I love this football club and I’m really grateful for the opportunity they gave me back in 2021 after two pretty tough years of COVID,” Worner said. 

“I’m just really grateful they’ve given me two more years to continue developing my game and take it to another level. 

“It’s nice to finally get a bit of continuity in my football, which I probably haven’t quite had over my first three years. But off the back of a strong pre-season, it’s great to be playing the majority of games this year as I keep developing.” 

Primarily playing off half-back while matching up against some of the opposition’s best small forwards, Worner has been one of the team’s biggest improvers in 2025. 

He posted career-best numbers in Round 5 against Richmond, collecting 19 disposals and nine marks in the Gather Round win. 

Worner expressed his gratitude for being part of Fremantle’s strong defensive unit and reflected on the step-up in competition when reaching the AFL. 

“There are a fair few characters down there (in the backline),” Worner said. 

“It’s been great learning from them. Coming into the Club as a bit of a wingman I had to change my game a little and I really liked that challenge. 

“Learning from guys like Clarky (Jordan Clark), Chappy (Heath Chapman) and Lukey (Luke Ryan), who can play a bit taller at times, I’m just trying to add different parts of their games into mine as I continuously look to improve. 

“I think you’re pretty naive when you first come into a football club. 

“It took a couple of years to really build a strong base, not just with my strength, but also with the confidence to use it, and use it in the right way.” 

Fremantle Head of Player Personnel David Walls shared Worner’s sentiments and emphasised his commitment and drive to developing his game since being drafted from Victoria. 

“He came in as a rookie with several areas of his game that needed work, but he’s just kept working and working and improved every year,” Walls said. 

“He's settling into the backline and has only missed one game this year. 

“As he plays more and reaches the 50-game mark, he’ll continue to get better. 

“As a recruiting team, we watched a lot of Carey (Grammar) when he was playing with Nick Daicos, Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell. 

“He was a rebound, intercept defender and also played on the wing. 

“He has great running capacity to cover the ground and can lock down defensively as well.” 

Worner’s signature makes him the 18th Fremantle player to be contracted until 2027 or beyond.