In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming AFL Draft, Fremantle has reportedly submitted the necessary paperwork to bring promising young talent Jaren Carr into their ranks. Carr, now 20, is the son of former Docker Matt Carr, who enjoyed a notable 134-game career with Fremantle after playing for Collingwood and St Kilda. Having made his WAFL debut with South Fremantle earlier this year, the younger Carr has shown significant promise and could be a valuable addition to the Dockers’ lineup.
This season, Carr played nine games with the Bulldogs’ senior team, displaying his versatility as a 191cm forward. Throughout these games, he averaged close to 12 disposals and secured over four marks per game, while contributing three goals. Additionally, his time with South Fremantle’s reserves saw him tally 12 goals over nine matches, hinting at his capability and potential growth at the AFL level. The Dockers initially passed on Carr in the 2022 draft but are now reconsidering their options and might bring the Fremantle City product into the club in 2024.
According to reports from The West Australian, Fremantle’s filed paperwork would allow them to match any bid on Carr in the national draft scheduled for November 20-21. Despite interest from the Brisbane Lions earlier this year, Carr chose not to enter the Mid-Season Draft, where he could have secured a contract with a Queensland club. His decision keeps the possibility open for Fremantle to retain him locally through the father-son pathway.
Fremantle currently holds picks 14, 30, and 67 in the draft and might use their final pick on Carr. As the draft progresses, it’s likely that matched bids will shift the order, which could favor Fremantle’s timing for selecting Carr. If he goes undrafted, the Dockers still have the option to bring him on as a rookie, given that AFL clubs can now pre-list father-son players not selected in the primary draft.
The Dockers may also have a roster spot open later this off-season, as they’re expected to consider former Port Adelaide and Geelong forward Quinton Narkle in the Supplemental Selection Period. With Fremantle showing a renewed focus on promising and strategically advantageous recruits, the upcoming draft could significantly shape the team’s future.