Fremantle have opened up another list spot ahead of next month’s national draft by axing winger Jaren Carr, but his Dockers journey is unlikely to be over.
Carr, the son of former Fremantle half-back Matthew Carr and nephew of fellow Docker and current Port Adelaide coach Josh, was taken with Pick No.63 in the 2024 draft but has yet to make his senior debut.
The West Australian revealed earlier this month the club was weighing up whether to retain the father-son product on their primary list or delist him and pick him up again as a rookie.
“Jaren has continued to develop in all aspects of his footy after being drafted at 20,” footy boss Joe Brierty said.
“We are committed to taking him in the rookie draft and continuing his AFL career with us.”
Fremantle currently holds selections 19, 40, 60, 63, 78 and 96 in next month’s AFL draft and has three primary list spots available.
Drafted out of South Fremantle, Carr averaged 21 disposals from his 17 games for Peel Thunder this season, including 16 and two goals in their dominant WAFL grand final win over Claremont.
He admitted the uncertainty over his future had been distracting but was committing to doing everything he can to earn an AFL debut.
“It makes playing week-to-week a bit more difficult because it’s a distraction,” he said following their grand final win.
“As long as I keep fronting up, playing my role and being a great teammate, that’s all in my control.”
However, the Dockers’ decision is not without risk given they will pick last in the rookie draft owing to their top-of-the-table finish in 2026.
It would give the opportunity for other clubs to potentially swoop in on the winger, as seen in 2024 when Gold Coast stole ruckman Max Knobel away from the club with an earlier selection, forcing the Dockers to find another alternative, leading to the pick-up of Aiden Riddle.
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