Fremantle coach Lisa Webb says Gabby Newton has gone to another level and will only continue to grow after the former No.1 draft pick signed a fresh contract extension.

The vice-captain and All-Australian has extended her stay out west after penning a new two-year deal which will take her through to the end of the 2029 season.

Newton has cemented herself as one of the Dockers’ most-important players after crossing from Western Bulldogs ahead of the 2024 season, finishing third and second in the club’s fairest and best counts in her first two seasons.

An elated Webb said they were delighted to tie Newton to the club long-term just shy of the midfielder’s 25th birthday.

Newton averaged 24.4 disposals per game last season and Webb said she was only going to get better, having already shown significant improvement since arriving at the club.

“A terrific player and we’re really lucky to have her. I’m just so excited that she’s signed on, she’s a big one for us and a real barometer,” she said.

“She’s definitely stronger. She’s definitely faster. Her footy IQ continues to grow. She’s just got this great thirst for learning.

“Her football’s gone to another level now and playing as an inside mid that can play forward and back is a handy addition to have to your team.

“She can play anywhere, and that’s something that we know, whether different parts of the game, if we need a goal, we can put her forward. If we need to put one behind, she’s always an option for us and she always is one of those players that will do anything for the team.

Webb also praised Newton’s leadership capabilities, having made a quick impression on the club from the moment she made the cross-country switch after the 2023 campaign.

“She’s an incredible person, and that’s before she even kicks a footy. She’s come into this club and just gelled so seamlessly with everyone here,” Webb said.

“The other thing she does is lifts people up around her, she’s got this great character mindset. She leads really well, and she’s always finding ways to make everyone feel welcome and supported.

“She’s a great support for myself as well, she’s a terrific person, always has been.”

Webb will be hoping the good news can provide a boost to her Fremantle side when they look to overcome their opening round loss against Collingwood on Sunday.

Star half-back Emma O’Driscoll is back after missing round one with a glute concern with Lily Johnson omitted after her first game for her new side last week.

The Dockers have also added Noa McNaughton, Charli Hazlehurst and Evie Parker to their extended squad travelling east.

After kicking just two goals from 32 inside 50s and losing the clearance battle 27-16 in the defeat to Port Adelaide, Webb said she was confident it was an aberration but they needed to improve nonetheless.

“Getting there (inside 50) more would be nice as well, but our delivery inside 50 wasn’t great. The way we moved the ball didn’t help, but I think we can be far better in front of the ball as well,” she said.

“We haven’t had a lot of time with our forwards working together, so we’ll be better for the experience last week, but we’ve certainly identified some of our ball movement and our contest in front of the footy as well.

“We put it on the mids as well to keep getting better as they do every week — no matter win, lose, or draw.”