Fremantle defenders Scott Thornton and Paul Duffield have re-signed with the Dockers until the end of 2010, reversing the trend of departures from the AFL club.

Thornton, taken with pick No.66 in the 2000 national draft, played 17 games this season to take his career tally to 73.

The 26-year-old's future was at the crossroads at the end of 2006 after managing just five games in an injury-interrupted year but he has since notched 31 appearances in the past two seasons to establish himself as a vital cog in Fremantle's defence.

Duffield was elevated from the club's rookie list in 2006 and has notched 24 games in three seasons for the club.

The 23-year-old came of age late this season with some eye-catching performances, including a scintillating 28-possession effort against Richmond in round 21.

The Dockers will start season 2009 with one of the youngest lists in the competition following the retirements of Peter Bell, Heath Black, Shaun McManus, Mark Johnson, Jeff Farmer, Luke Webster and Matthew Carr.

They will also lose vice-captain Josh Carr, who has expressed his desire to move back to Port Adelaide, while injury-plagued rookie Ryley Dunn has been de-listed.

The futures of Victorian pair Robert Warnock and David Mundy are still unclear but coach Mark Harvey is desperate to retain the out-of-contract duo, who he has described as future leaders of the club.

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