No crossing the derby divide: Freo midfielder rejects rivals

5 days ago 8

By Justin Chadwick

September 10, 2025 — 6.15pm

Fremantle midfielder Neil Erasmus has turned down “significant interest” from rival clubs to re-sign with the Dockers for a further three years.

Erasmus, the No.10 pick from the 2021 national draft, struggled to cement a spot during his first three seasons at the Dockers.

Neil Erasmus an Eagle? Not likely any time soon.

But the 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, playing 16 games and hitting career-best form at the tail-end of the campaign.

Cross-town rivals West Coast were keen to lure Erasmus their way with the promise of more game time, while the Western Bulldogs were also among the clubs interested.

But with Fremantle’s premiership window now open and the young list tipped to improve over the coming years, Erasmus chose to stay.

“There was a bit of interest elsewhere which was documented, but I’ve got so much here in Perth and in WA,” Erasmus said.

“It would have been a tough decision to let that go. I just trusted that and wanted to commit to the club that drafted me.”

Erasmus played in the midfield, on the wing and in attack this year, showcasing his versatility.

His best footy came at the end of the season.

Erasmus tallied 20 disposals, six clearances and a goal in the final round of the regular season as the Dockers sealed a finals berth with an upset 15-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

Then in Saturday night’s one-point elimination final loss to Gold Coast, Erasmus racked up 18 disposals, five clearances, six tackles and a goal to be among his team’s best players.

“Those sorts of games (end-of-season pressure) suit my style - a bit more contested,” Erasmus said.

“I enjoy the big game and the big occasion, so I think that suited me. It was good to be able to play a role in those games.

“I hope that I can take more confidence from the summer into next year as well.”

Fremantle’s head of player personnel David Walls was thrilled to re-sign Erasmus until the end of 2028.

“Neil’s a top 10 draft pick who is 21 years of age and still has a lot of growth and improvement to come,” Walls said.

“He attracted significant interest from rival clubs, but he has a real drive to succeed and get better and is very invested in what this group can achieve.”

AAP