THE Fremantle Dockers have announced that they have extended the contract of Anthony Morabito through to the end of 2014.
Morabito, 21, was the 4th pick of the 2009 National Draft but has had limited time on the field for the Dockers after a series of injuries. He has played just 23 games so far for thr club.
Morabito initially ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in December 2010 during pre-season training.
After a full knee reconstruction he eventually returned to the field by playing in the WAFL in 2012 but re-injured his knee at training in July 2012 and subsequently requiring a second knee reconstruction.
Seemingly cursed, he re-injured his bad knee for a third time when he tore the graft in January 2013 during pre-season training. Yet another reconstruction, this time opting for controversial LARS surgery, meant he was ruled out for the current season.
“After discussions with Anthony and in conjunction with our medical staff and strength and conditioning staff, it was agreed that the best course of action was to amend our plan to have Anthony play a handful of WAFL games at what would have been the tail end of the 2013 season,” said Fremantle’s General manager of football operations, Chris Bond.
“It was agreed that it was in the best long-term interests of Anthony and his playing career that we continue with a conservative approach for his return to AFL ranks. As a result, Anthony will have a short break before returning to the club and preparing for the 2014 pre-season.
“By taking this approach, we believe Anthony will be really well placed to hit the ground running on day one of the 2014 pre-season and be available for selection at the start of the 2014 AFL home and away season.”