Developing Fremantle Dockers ruckman Aiden Riddle says he is “super grateful” to have signed a one-year contract extension.

In a move which was first reported by The West Australian last month, the Dockers announced on Wednesday the 19-year-old, 200cm big man had extended his stay at the club until at least the end of the 2026 season.

The Claremont product was taken by Fremantle in last year’s rookie draft after Max Knobel — who they had delisted with the intention of putting back on the rookie list — was swooped on by Gold Coast.

Riddle has played a back-up role to the more senior Liam Reidy in the WAFL so far this season and is developing his craft as a forward, kicking two goals for the first time at the level as Peel Thunder beat West Coast by 52 points in Mandurah on Saturday.

Speaking after the game, Riddle said he had not been bothered by any uncertainty over his contract status, despite only coming in on a one-year deal as a rookie.

“I’m super grateful it’s done now and I can just focus on my footy and what’s important and keep developing,” he said.

“It’s good that they’ve got that faith in me.

“It wasn’t too much pressure, I don’t think. I just kept my head down and kept playing my footy.”

As well as playing alongside Reidy in the State league, being drafted to the Dockers has given Riddle the chance to learn from a pair of established ruckmen in Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy at training.

Riddle said working alongside the trio was fast-tracking his own development.

“Me and Luke are similar archetypes, I guess. Coming into the system, he was always someone I looked up to,” he said.

“(Reidy’s) been a real role model for me too, along with the other boys. His work ethic’s great and he’s really down to earth and always willing to help me with my game as well.”

Opinions on the effectiveness of the Jackson-Darcy ruck combination at AFL level have not been in short supply but Riddle said he had no doubts the pair could successfully feature alongside each other.

“We’re winning games when they’re playing together, so I think so,” he said.