LUCKLESS Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito will focus on a 2014 return after signing a new one-year contract to remain at the Dockers.

The 21-year-old has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee three times, most recently in early January, and has not played for Fremantle since the 2010 semi-final loss to Geelong.

The 2010 AFL Rising Star nominee has not played any football since July 2012, when he had his second reconstruction.

Before that, he had managed one reserves and seven league matches for Peel Thunder in the WAFL on the comeback from his initial knee injury.

Morabito had LARS surgery in January this year and it was hoped he would play some football in 2013.

However, Fremantle's football operations manager, Chris Bond, told fremantlefc.com.au those plans had been abolished and they were now planning a 2014 return.

"After discussions with Anthony and in conjunction with our medical staff and strength and conditioning staff, it was agreed that the best course of action was to amend our plan to have Anthony play a handful of WAFL games at what would have been the tail-end of the 2013 season," Bond said.

"It was agreed that it was in the best long-term interests of Anthony and his playing career that we continue with a conservative approach for his return to AFL ranks.

"As a result, Anthony will have a short break before returning to the club and preparing for the 2014 pre-season.

"By taking this approach, we believe Anthony will be really well placed to hit the ground running on day one of the 2014 pre-season and be available for selection at the start of the 2014 AFL home and away season."