More than two decades of global sporting expertise has landed at Cockburn with the arrival of Dr Adam Beard.
Beard has commenced the newly created position as Fremantle’s Director of Football Performance and Innovation following years of success and valuable experience across Europe, the Middle East and US.
He has excelled in hands on roles with international rugby heavy weights including Wales and the British and Irish Lions, plus NFL team the Cleveland Browns and legendary Major League Baseball giants, the Chicago Cubs.
“Different sports have a different way of doing things, but the fundamentals remain the same,” Beard said.
“It’s a credit to the Fremantle Football Club – and that’s one reason why I’m excited to come aboard - is that Fremantle had a good season and it would have been easy to just keep the status quo.
“But if my role is different it means we’re looking at potentially doing things differently and that is what helps to differentiate teams.”
Beard’s extensive knowledge will help drive football operations, strategy and innovation.
The 48-year-old will work closely with Executive General Manager of Football Peter Bell, High Performance Manager Phil Merriman and Head of Medical Services Ben Raysmith.
“I hope to be able to get the best out of people in their various roles,” Beard said.
It’s a homecoming for Beard who started his off-field career as a strength and conditioning coach at Fremantle in 2001 before embarking on his incredible journey abroad.
“Fremantle feels home, I think I bleed purple,” Beard said.
“The players who were here and I respected 21 years ago – like Justin Longmuir and Peter Bell - are now leading.
“But also just observing from the outside, it looks like something you want to be involved in.
“There were other opportunities around the country and here in Perth that I didn’t take up because it wasn’t Fremantle.
“It’s nice to be home and I always wanted to come back, but to contribute to something that’s bigger than yourself is what I’m really interested in.”
Beard has settled back in Perth with his wife Dearne and teenage sons Aston (16) and Jenson (13).
