Fremantle ruckman Zac Clarke has re-signed with the Dockers for the 2017 AFL season, and he hopes to be ready for round one despite undergoing knee surgery.
Clarke's future was up in the air after the 26-year-old struggled for form last season.
In 13 games, Clarke failed to kick a single goal and he averaged just 10 possessions and 19 hit-outs per match.
But with Aaron Sandilands near the end of his decorated career and Jonathon Griffin struggling to bed down a regular role in the ruck, the Dockers decided to keep faith with Clarke.
Clarke underwent knee surgery after playing in Peel Thunder's grand final win in the WAFL, but he expects to be fit for the start of the season.
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"I'll be back at the club in a fortnight and training in some aspects, but I won't be training just yet," Clarke said.
"I don't think I'll be that far behind the rest of the group.
"I should be ready and raring to go by round one.
"I'm hoping to join the main group just before Christmas, so that should be giving me plenty of time."
