NEW FREMANTLE recruit Shane Kersten has revealed he and best mate Joel Hamling discussed the prospect of returning home to play for a West Australian team several times throughout the year.

That dream became a reality when former Geelong forward Kersten and Western Bulldogs premiership defender Hamling secured moves to the Dockers during the NAB AFL Trade Period.

Kersten was traded by Geelong to Fremantle last month after five seasons and 37 games, while Hamling, who spent three years with Kersten at the Cats, also made the call to head home despite winning a premiership with the Bulldogs.

The Cats drafted the pair in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft. Hamling was selected at pick No.32, while Kersten was taken two picks later at No.34.

Despite playing for different clubs for the past two years, the West Australians have remained great friends and consulted each other on their respective decisions to return to WA. 

"There was a little bit of [discussion]," Kersten said on Wednesday.

"It probably sounds a little funny. It was probably more me trying to help him out with his decision. He had a few other factors that he had to weigh up to make a decision. 

"We had the odd chat every now and again and we both obviously knew what we had ahead of us and the opportunity the Fremantle Football Club was willing to give us. I think we both made the right decision.

"It was only two years ago that I was playing alongside him and then to be given this opportunity back in our home state to play alongside each other at Fremantle is something pretty special."

Kersten didn't take his decision to leave Geelong lightly. 

But after playing 17 senior games in 2016, and then being dropped after round 22, the key forward wanted a fresh start at a club close to his family.

"I had a couple of meetings with Ross and Brad Lloyd, the list manager, and I just thought it was a good opportunity at this stage in my career to get back to Perth to friends and family," he said. 

"I've missed my brother growing up and playing football and the fact that I could be back here with my parents was a big one."

The 23-year-old is keen to find some consistency and continuity with his football and is hoping for an injury-free pre-season. 

Kersten will join his teammates on the training track on November 21 as the Dockers prepare to climb back up the ladder after a disappointing 2016.