2015 All-Australian David Mundy has toyed with the idea of retirement this summer, however, many Dockers fans firmly believe that the 35-year old still has plenty to offer. The veteran midfielder is coming off the back of another impressive season and his vast experience could be absolutely essential over the next twelve months.

David Mundy is set to ink a new deal at Fremantle as early as the coming days. Stay tuned... https://t.co/qgMtTPX8Lf #wanews pic.twitter.com/nQRKkV5DgA

— The West Australian (@westaustralian) November 6, 2020

By offloading Jesse Hogan to GWS, the club should have freed up enough space to retain a number of out-of-contract stars, and Mundy is likely to be first in line. Coach Justin Longmuir has previously spoken of his desire to keep the former Dockers captain at the club, citing his off-field influence as one of the key reasons for offering him a new one-year deal.

The Seymour-born star made his debut for the club in April 2005 at the MCG, and has spent 16 successful seasons in Perth. He is just 21 appearances away from breaking the club's all-time appearance record, having featured 332 times since bursting onto the scene 15 years ago.

The club are concentrating on the draft as opposed to trades during the offseason, and although some fans are concerned that the aforementioned sale of Hogan and the delisting of Hugh Dixon will leave them short of forwards in 2021, the Dockers hierarchy appear to have a clear plan going forward. Mundy appears to be part of that project, and he can still have a significant influence on the younger players within the squad.

Having made 332 appearances for the Dockers, Mundy is often regarded as the club's 'spiritual leader', and he remains a firm fan favourite. Despite featuring just 16 times in 2020, his numbers remain impressively solid. Many predicted that he would struggle to make an impact this season, however, he finished fifth in the club's Doig Medal count and averaged 3.8 tackles per game. Away from the field, he is a model professional, keeps himself fit, and has been credited with helping the club's young midfielders to progress in recent seasons.

Mundy's performance levels dropped off towards the end of 2019, and he was subsequently used a little more sparingly this season. Lowering his game time has kept him relatively fresh, reduced his chances of picking up a career-ending injury, and allowed him to perform with a renewed vigour. If he is retained, he is unlikely to be a guaranteed starter, although fans would still expect to see him make regular appearances throughout 2021. His longevity is testament to his positive attitude and application, and his fitness levels remain incredibly high despite his advancing years.

The Dockers are 51.00 to win the 2021 Grand Final in the latest Aussie Rules betting, although a top six finish is a far more realistic aim this time around. Last year's 12th place finish was their highest since 2015, and although there is still plenty of room for improvement, it should give Longmuir's men the confidence to push on.

Star Fremantle defender takes home Doig Medal as 35-year-old David Mundy has finished top 5 once again | https://t.co/DHnKmXU3ti | #AFL pic.twitter.com/kWdA9E76bm

— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) October 22, 2020

Fremantle are unlikely to make any significant trades this summer, however, they will surely benefit from offering one of their most experienced and respected performers a new contract over the coming weeks. Mundy is a positive influence around the training ground, and his experience of top-level football could prove absolutely vital to the younger players within the squad.