Star Nat Fyfe will remain at Fremantle until the end of 2017 after signing to a three-year contract extension with the AFL club.

The midfielder was out of contract at the end of this season and had previously stated he had no intention of leaving the Dockers despite the potential for a big-money switch to a rival club.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing with Freo and I’m from WA,” the 22-year-old said in a statement on Thursday.

“Ultimately, the best fit for me was to stay here in Freo.”

Fyfe said the club was developing a strong culture under coach Ross Lyon and his staff.

“That culture is really driven by the players – high accountability, high standards,” he added.

“It’s great to be a part of that building process and I really want to be a part of that going forward from here.”

Brad Lloyd, Fremantle’s general manager of player management, said Fyfe had become an integral part of the club’s midfield group and still had plenty more to give.

“He is a super competitor who has had a strong intent and focus to get the best out of himself from the day he arrived at the football club,” Lloyd said.

“He is still only 22 years of age, so we look forward to his continued progression in the coming years.”

Fyfe was nabbed by the Dockers in the 2009 national draft with pick No.20, and went on to make his AFL debut in round five, 2010 against Richmond.

He enjoyed a breakout season in 2011, finishing runner-up to captain Matthew Pavlich as club champion before eventually taking out the Doig Medal in 2013.

The talented youngster has kicked 64 goals in 83 senior appearances.