Fremantle Dockers Contracts & Salary Cap: Andrew Brayshaw, Young List & Finals Contention

The Fremantle Dockers operate under the AFL’s $16.49 million soft salary cap, featuring captain Andrew Brayshaw on a six-year deal worth approximately $6 million through 2029.

Fremantle finished 10th in 2024 with a 10-13 record, missing finals by percentage after finishing 9th in 2023. The club possesses one of the AFL’s youngest lists with average age of 23.7 years. This youth creates salary cap flexibility as emerging stars develop on rookie contracts.

List manager David Walls manages strategic spending around young midfielders Brayshaw, Caleb Serong, and Hayden Young.

Coach Justin Longmuir enters his sixth season targeting the club’s first finals appearance since 2022 and breakthrough premiership after losing the 2013 Grand Final.

Click on any player’s name to view their complete biography and estimated net worth.

Fremantle Dockers’ Biggest Contracts

1. Andrew Brayshaw – Captain/Midfielder: Andrew Brayshaw signed a six-year extension through 2029 worth approximately $6 million total. He reportedly earns $950,000-1.05 million annually as the 2022 Doig medallist and two-time All-Australian. The 24-year-old averaged 28.4 disposals per game in 2024, cementing his status as one of the AFL’s elite midfielders.
2. Caleb Serong – Midfielder: Caleb Serong extended through 2029 on a deal worth approximately $5 million total. He earns an estimated $800,000-900,000 annually after finishing 5th in 2024 Brownlow Medal voting with 24 votes. The 23-year-old averaged 30.2 disposals, leading Fremantle’s midfield alongside Brayshaw.
3. Nat Fyfe – Midfielder/Forward: Nat Fyfe remains on a veteran contract earning an estimated $700,000-800,000 annually through 2025. The dual Brownlow medallist (2015, 2019) played 21 games in 2024 despite persistent back injuries. The 33-year-old former captain provides leadership while transitioning to reduced on-field role.
4. Luke Jackson – Ruckman/Forward: Luke Jackson joined from Melbourne in 2022 on a six-year deal worth approximately $5 million total. He earns an estimated $750,000-850,000 annually after Fremantle traded picks 13 and future first-rounder to acquire him. The 23-year-old played 20 games in 2024, developing as Sean Darcy’s ruck partner.
5. Hayden Young – Defender: Hayden Young extended through 2028 on a deal worth approximately $4 million total. He earns an estimated $650,000-750,000 annually after winning the 2024 Doig Medal. The 23-year-old averaged 24.7 disposals, anchoring Fremantle’s defense alongside Alex Pearce.

Fremantle’s top-five contracts total approximately $24-25 million across multiple years. The Dockers consume roughly 35-40% of salary cap space on these five players.

This balanced approach allows salary cap flexibility for developing talent like Jye Amiss, Neil Erasmus, and Matthew Johnson.

How Fremantle Manages the $16.49M Salary Cap

The AFL’s salary cap for 2025 features a $16.49 million soft cap and $17.16 million hard cap. Fremantle operates comfortably at approximately $15.8-16.2 million with $300,000-700,000 remaining flexibility.

The Dockers allocate 35-40% of salary cap to their top five highest-paid players. This distribution creates roster balance with 15-18 players earning $350,000-700,000 annually. West Coast concentrates 42-45% in five players by comparison despite rebuilding.

Fremantle benefits from youth development with 12 players aged 23 or under on rookie-scale contracts earning $100,000-250,000.

This creates approximately $2-3 million annual cap advantage compared to veteran-heavy lists. Geelong’s aging roster averages $450,000 per player versus Fremantle’s $350,000.

The Dockers cleared salary space by trading Lachie Schultz ($500K) to Collingwood and losing Rory Lobb ($600K) to Western Bulldogs in 2023. These moves created approximately $1.1 million cap flexibility for extending Brayshaw, Serong, and Young on long-term deals.

Fremantle faces minimal salary cap pressure through 2026 with just Jye Amiss and Neil Erasmus requiring extensions. The club’s youth-focused list allows staggering contract negotiations without immediate cap squeeze threatening competitiveness.

Fremantle’s Biggest Salary Cap Decision: The Luke Jackson Trade

Fremantle’s most significant salary cap decision came recruiting Luke Jackson from Melbourne in 2022. The club committed approximately $5 million over six years plus traded picks 13 and future first-rounder for the developing ruckman.

Jackson’s recruitment cost Fremantle approximately $850,000 annually in combined salary and opportunity cost.

Melbourne received Pick 13 which became Will Verrall, while Fremantle’s future first-rounder (Pick 3, 2023) became Windsor Rioli. The Demons essentially gained two first-round picks for Jackson.

The gamble reflects Fremantle’s aggressive timeline targeting 2024-2027 premiership window. The club bet on Jackson developing into elite ruckman justifying $800,000+ annual salary. His 2024 output of 20 games and 13 goals shows promise but doesn’t yet validate the investment.

Jackson’s dual ruck-forward role creates tactical flexibility pairing with Sean Darcy ($650K). However, questions remain whether two premium ruckmen consuming $1.5 million combined represent optimal cap allocation.

Richmond won 2017-2020 flags with single ruck Toby Nankervis earning $450,000.

This decision contrasts with Collingwood’s patient development approach. The Magpies promoted Darcy Cameron from rookie list rather than trading premium picks for external ruckman. Fremantle’s aggressive strategy demands immediate success before Jackson’s contract becomes cap burden.

Salary Cap Strategy: Fremantle vs West Coast

Fremantle employs a youth investment model allocating 35-40% of cap space to five emerging stars earning $650,000-1.05 million. West Coast pursues a rebuild transition spreading 30% across eight developing players earning $300,000-650,000.

The Dockers target 2025-2028 premiership window with Brayshaw (24), Serong (23), and Young (23) entering prime years. West Coast accepts 2-3 year rebuild developing Harley Reid (19), Reuben Ginbey (20), and Elijah Hewett (21) on rookie contracts.

Fremantle’s philosophy balances youth with strategic veteran recruitment. The club maintained Nat Fyfe ($750K) for leadership while trading for Luke Jackson ($800K) as immediate contributor. West Coast moved on from all veterans except Jeremy McGovern ($700K), creating maximum cap flexibility.

The bitter Western Derby rivals showcase contrasting timelines. Fremantle finished 10th targeting finals breakthrough. West Coast finished 17th with 5 wins, securing top-3 draft picks. The spending difference shows: Fremantle invested $24-25 million in five stars, West Coast spreads $18-20 million across eight prospects.

FAQs

How much does Andrew Brayshaw earn at Fremantle?

Andrew Brayshaw earns an estimated $950,000-1.05 million annually on his six-year extension through 2029 worth approximately $6 million total. The 24-year-old captain and two-time All-Australian is Fremantle’s highest-paid player, averaging 28.4 disposals in 2024 while leading the young midfield.

What is Caleb Serong’s contract worth?

Caleb Serong signed an extension through 2029 worth approximately $5 million total, earning an estimated $800,000-900,000 annually. The 23-year-old midfielder finished 5th in 2024 Brownlow Medal voting after averaging 30.2 disposals, forming elite partnership with captain Andrew Brayshaw.

Does Fremantle have salary cap flexibility?

Fremantle has approximately $300,000-700,000 remaining salary cap space under the $16.49 million soft cap. The club’s young list averages 23.7 years with 12 players on rookie-scale contracts, creating $2-3 million cap advantage compared to veteran-heavy lists like Geelong’s.

Why did Fremantle trade so much for Luke Jackson?

Fremantle traded picks 13 and future first-rounder (became Pick 3, 2023) plus committed $5 million over six years for Luke Jackson from Melbourne. The club targeted the 2024-2027 premiership window, betting Jackson’s ruck-forward versatility justifies $800,000+ annual salary partnering Sean Darcy in dual-ruck system.