David Mundy will play a significant role in helping develop Nat Fyfe as a leader, according to Fremantle’s newly elected captain.
Fyfe has replaced Mundy in the top job in Fremantle’s leadership group, but both will continue to work together to help get the best out of Fremantle’s players.
The 25-year-old’s appointment comes as Fremantle looks to develop what has become a much younger list over the off-season, and the addition of Michael Waters (26) and Lachie Neale (23) to the leadership group is another sign of that process.
“The relationship I have with Dave is extremely strong,” Fyfe said.
“He was the first person to extend a hand and say congratulations, and the support that he’s shown me over the past 12 months, particularly given the difficulty of the last year, has been tremendous.”
While the captaincy role will see Fyfe take a more proactive approach in his leadership, he doesn’t expect to see Mundy take a step backwards as a result.
“I’ll lean on David heavily over the first part of the role, because his leadership is something that I really value,” Fyfe said.
“His role won’t be diminished within the group. His influence and connection to other players is at the highest level, and the group recognises that we’re in a different period at the moment than we were 12 months ago.”
With a strong profile of players aged in the low-to-mid twenties on Fremantle’s list, Fyfe is positioned to lead well into the future.
Fyfe has taken on the reigns at the same age as Matthew Pavlich was when he was voted in as captain in 2007, and the 2015 Brownlow Medallist said he will reach out to Pavlich for advice, as well the club’s more experience players.
“I’m 25 and I feel I’m fairly well connected to the rough age demographic of our group,” Fyfe said.
“Along with Lachie Neale, Michael Walters, there’s some fresh younger guys in (the leadership group), and I’ve got a lot to learn.
“Michael Johnson, Zac Dawson, Daniel Pearce - these guys have had a lot more experience playing AFL games than me, and so I’ll be relying on them heavily for their support and guidance.
“And I plan on spending a lot of time working with David and the other leaders too, and also Pav at some point as well, just so I’m continuing to evolve as a leader.
