Fremantle have signed former Western Bulldog Dom Bedendo as a delisted free agent, handing the 24-year-old wingman a two-year deal after a breakout VFL season with Port Melbourne.
The Dockers confirmed the signing on Wednesday 7 October, with the deal also reported by AFL.com.au and The West Australian. Bedendo will join Fremantle for pre-season training next month.
From Bulldogs pick to VFL goalkicker
Bedendo was taken by the Western Bulldogs with pick No.55 in the 2020 National Draft out of the Murray Bushrangers. He spent four years on the Dogs’ list but managed only two AFL games, both in 2022, before he was delisted at the end of 2024.
He rebuilt his career at Port Melbourne, kicking 23 goals in 17 games in 2025, according to The West Australian, before lifting to 35 goals in 20 matches this year. His best was a five-goal haul against North Melbourne’s VFL side.
What Fremantle said
Fremantle head of player personnel David Walls said the club had tracked the 191cm winger closely.
“We’ve been watching Dom really closely since he returned to the VFL as a mature-age player,” Walls said. “He’s performed strongly as an athletic, hard-running winger. His size makes him an aerial threat and he also has good agility.”
Walls said the Nathan O’Driscoll trade with Richmond had given the club an extra draft selection, but Fremantle chose not to wait.
“Rather than wait to see whether Dom would still be available in the draft, we decided to secure him now as a delisted free agent. As a result, we haven’t had to use that pick,” he said.
Bedendo: “I am feeling amazing”
“I am so grateful for the opportunity and keen to get stuck into it,” Bedendo said. “That’s been a big driver for me for the last two years is to get back on a list and that becoming a reality now feels amazing.”
What’s next
The AFL’s free agency period closes on Friday 9 October, and the 2026 AFL Draft will be held on 19 and 20 November. Fremantle currently holds picks 17, 38, 58, 61, 76 and 94, the club said.
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