It was a night fit for our club’s greatest player.
Nearly 1000 people attended the Matthew Pavlich Testimonial at Crown Perth on Friday night to honour the 325-gamer, club captain and six-time All Australian.
Throughout the night, past and present team mates, his father Steve Pavlich and senior coach Ross Lyon spoke about Pavlich’s remarkable career.
The one sentiment shared by all was that Pavlich is not only universally respected and admired on field but off the field too.
Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich said the club was immensely proud of its games-record holder and six-time Doig Medallist.
“We are very proud that Matthew is much more than a footballer,” he said.
Rosich said he was a father, a student, businessman and role model to many.
Pavlich gave a stirring speech to the Fremantle faithful.
He said the club had come a remarkably long way since he arrived in 2001.
Pavlich said while the spotlight was him tonight, it was also on the team that made him the player he has become.
“I’m extremely humbled by this whole experience,” he said.
Pav focussed on team success: Mundy
Pavlich gave special thanks to his family, team mates, coaching staff and the club’s administration and board for their ongoing support.
He said while football had become his job, he still adored the game that he fell in love with as a young child.
“The game has tested my resolve, driven me mad but it remains my love, my passion,” he said.
“It’s been a privilege to do what I’ve always wanted to do, play AFL and live my dream.”
