Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault product Ethan Hughes de-listed by Fremantle after 10-year AFL career

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault product Ethan Hughes has been de-listed by Fremantle after a 10-year career with the Dockers. The club announced on Wednesday Hughes, along with key forward Matt Taberner and rookies Sebit Kuek and Conrad Williams, would not be offered a contract for the 2025 season. Taken from Swan Districts in the 2014 rookie draft after playing his junior football with the Lions, Hughes played 107 AFL games over his time with Fremantle. He made six appearances at the top level this season but was omitted from the side in the wake of a shock western derby loss to West Coast in round seven and was not recalled for the rest of the year despite strong form for Peel Thunder in the WAFL. Fremantle football boss Joe Brierty said Hughes would be greatly missed at the club. “Ethan is well renowned for his courage and selfless acts on the football field, but it’s well-known that he is one of the best clubmen we have seen over a 10-year period,” Brierty said. “He is known for his ability to contribute to all aspects of life at the Fremantle Football Club and is renowned by his teammates for always playing his role for the team. “He is constantly acknowledged for living and breathing the club’s trademark — a legacy which Ethan now leaves. “We can’t thank Ethan enough for his 10-year service to the club and the way in which he has carried himself to make sure he made the most of every single opportunity in his time at Freo.” “We also wish Ethan and his wife Jess all the best with the impending birth of their first child as well.” Hughes has continued to feature for the Thunder through their WAFL finals campaign, gathering 16 disposals as they sealed their place in the grand final with a 47-point preliminary final win over Swan Districts on Sunday.