Alex Pearce says he’s “incredibly humbled and proud” to be named Fremantle’s new skipper, with the favored defender getting the tick of approval from teammates to take excessive job.
Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw will function twin vice-captains for the Dockers’ revamped management group, with the trio set to have their first style of main of their new roles in Friday’s pre-season conflict towards Adelaide.
Pearce succeeds Nat Fyfe, the membership’s second longest-serving skipper, who led the membership for six seasons.
The resolution was revealed on Thursday morning after Dockers chief government Simon Garlick confirmed gamers had solid their votes earlier within the week.
Pearce, Brayshaw and Serong had been unanimous selections for management roles throughout your complete enjoying group, that includes on each poll.
“I’m incredibly humbled and proud to be captain,” mentioned Pearce, who led the Dockers for a lot of 2022 – together with their two finals – amid Fyfe’s harm issues.
“It’s special to know that everyone who is alongside me and is a part of this club values me as a leader.
“Nathan – I have obviously worked closely with him. I lived with him and had a great connection with him.
“Even though he is not in the leadership group this year he is going to be my biggest resource and help moving forward.”
Fresh Freo face Jaeger O’Meara will characteristic within the membership’s management group after arriving from Hawthorn, with Hayden Young and Sam Switkowski additionally stepping in. They exchange Fyfe and the retired David Mundy in a six-man management staff.
Pearce has performed 84 video games however has been at Fremantle for one of the best a part of a decade after becoming a member of the membership in late 2013 earlier than debuting in 2015.
The 27-year-old has needed to overcome a chequered harm historical past to rise to take the highest job, together with sitting out your complete 2017 and 2020 campaigns.
The Tasmanian mentioned he was excited by the prospect of main the membership and supporter base that had stood by him.
“Throughout my whole career I’ve been incredibly supported by our fans, particularly during some of my lowest points in dealing with injuries all throughout,” Pearce mentioned.
“They have been a great source of motivation for me. This past season, some of the moments I will never forget is leading the boys out in front of a packed Freo crowd.
“Even walking down the street and feeling the energy of Freo people and their excitement and love of this club.
“I share that love of Fremantle and I can’t wait to continue this journey and hopefully help bring some success very soon.”
Pearce may also develop into Fremantle’s first full-time Indigenous skipper, and can comply with within the footsteps of simply six such gamers to carry a captaincy position at any membership in AFL/VFL historical past.
Dockers soccer supervisor Peter Bell mentioned final 12 months’s outcomes had proven Pearce was a “really capable leader” with room to develop.
“Besides the high level of performance that we’ve become accustomed to Alex showing, it’s his on-field communication, his understanding of what is needed with each game and within games.
“What you want from your leaders is to be a real conduit from the coaches out on the field and during the week, and Alex is highly skilled in those areas.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
