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Clarke on hunt for extended contract

Valuable role: Zac Clarke, right, tussles with West Coast’s Scott Lycett.

Fremantle have opened contract negotiations with versatile ruckman Zac Clarke.

Preliminary discussions have been held with the 25-year-old’s management at a time when all three of the Dockers’ main ruckmen, including Clarke, are coming out of contract.

The current deals of Clarke, Aaron Sandilands and Jon Griffin expire at the end of the season.

Clarke overcame a round-two knee scare to re-emerge as an offensive threat for Fremantle in the western derby, kicking two goals and taking 10 marks.

Of the club’s listed ruckmen, only South Australian Jack Hannath is contracted beyond this year.



Several options for Clarke will be discussed.

The 2008 No.37 draft pick will become eligible for free agency at the end of next season.

Any extended delay in Sandilands’ re-signing could prompt Clarke’s management to push for a significant multi-year extension.

The Weekend West understands the Dockers made an approach to start contract talks with Clarke well before round one, but he wanted to start the season well first.

He is coming off an indifferent 2014 where he kicked only 12 goals in 21 matches and had knee surgery at either end of the season.

Sandilands is understood to be seeking a one-year extension.