Fremantle Dockers captain: Alex Pearce unveiled as new skipper, with Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong deputies

Alex Pearce says he’s “incredibly humbled and proud” to be named Fremantle’s new skipper, with the popular defender getting the tick of approval from teammates to take over the top job.

Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw will serve as dual vice-captains for the Dockers’ revamped leadership group, with the trio set to have their first taste of leading in their new roles in Friday’s pre-season clash against Adelaide.

Pearce succeeds Nat Fyfe, the club’s second longest-serving skipper, who led the club for six seasons.

The decision was revealed on Thursday morning after Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick confirmed players had cast their votes earlier in the week.

Camera IconAlex Pearce led Freo for much of last season. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Pearce, Brayshaw and Serong were unanimous choices for leadership roles across the entire playing group, featuring on every ballot.

“I’m incredibly humbled and proud to be captain,” said Pearce, who led the Dockers for much of 2022 – including their two finals – amid Fyfe’s injury problems.

“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.”

Camera IconPearce, Justin Longmuir and Fyfe. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Fresh Freo face Jaeger O’Meara will feature in the club’s leadership group after arriving from Hawthorn, with Hayden Young and Sam Switkowski also stepping in. They replace Fyfe and the retired David Mundy in a six-man leadership team.

Pearce has played 84 games but has been at Fremantle for the best part of a decade after debuting in 2015.

The 27-year-old has had to overcome a chequered injury history to rise to take the top job, including sitting out the entire 2017 and 2020 campaigns.

The Tasmanian said he was excited by the prospect of leading the club 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 said.

“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.”

Dockers football manager Peter Bell said last year’s results had shown Pearce was a “really capable leader” with room to grow.

“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.”