McNamara back in blue and white

Jamie McNamara will return to the East Fremantle Football Club in 2014 after signing on with the Club for the next three seasons.

For the last two years, McNamara has played for Williamstown in the VFL, totalling 27 games and kicking 10 goals.

He now returns to the Sharks, his club of origin before being drafted by West Coast with the 16th pick in the 2006 AFL Rookie Draft.

McNamara said he was excited about heading home to the Sharks.

“I’m looking forward to coming home and playing with East Freo in what should be an exciting time for the club in the next few years. It’s great to re-join some of my good mates who I have played a lot of footy with. Hopefully in the next few years we can create some history of our own,” he said.

East Fremantle Football Manager Darryn Fry said that as a talented midfielder, McNamara would be a great addition to the squad, particularly with the recent retirement of Richard Hadley.

“We as a club and the playing group are thrilled with the news that Jamie will return to the East Fremantle Football Club in 2014,” Fry said.

“Notwithstanding his obvious talent, Jamie is of high character. He was twice runner up in our Lynn medal and previously part of our leadership group so his experience will certainly add value to the continued development of our younger players.

“We look forward to J Mac getting back to Perth in the coming weeks to begin pre-season training with the Sharks.”

East Fremantle Coach Steve Malaxos echoed Fry’s comments, saying he was very pleased that McNamara was returning.

“He will bring hard running, contested ball winning and marking ability to our team. As we strive to succeed in 2014, his leadership and experience will be invaluable.”

McNamara was recruited by the West Coast Eagles from East Fremantle and made his AFL debut in Round 21, 2007 against St Kilda. He played a total of 19 AFL games for the Eagles, totalling 4 goals and 282 possessions.

After being delisted by the Eagles in October 2009, McNamara returned to the Sharks and was a standout player in the 2010 and 2011 seasons, finishing runner up in the Lynn Medal (EFFC’s Fairest and Best Award) in both years.

He has played a total of 77 League games for the Sharks.