There are two factors working in the favour of Alex Pearce as he takes on the mantle of Fremantle’s 10th captain.
Firstly, he’s done the job before, having stood in for Nat Fyfe for 16 games in 2022 including Freo’s two finals appearances.
Secondly, he’s had the opportunity to be led by a trio of players who are widely considered to be the greatest to pull on the Fremantle jumper in Nat Fyfe, David Mundy and Matthew Pavlich.
Drafted at the end of the 2013 season, Pearce had two years under Pavlich, one with Mundy and six with Fyfe.
A former housemate of Fyfe, Pearce intends to lead heavily on his six years of experience in the role.
“The great thing about all of them is they all had different qualities,” Pearce said.
“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.
“I’m going to need his guidance at times and I am really looking forward to seeing how our relationship can grow and the wisdom he can impart on me.”
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Despite having only three seasons as a teammate of Pavlich, Pearce developed a close connection with the key forward as they went head to head on the training track.
“Dave and Pav are guys I have kept in contact with and have really great relationships with,” Pearce said.
“I came in young and impressionable and they were some of the guys that had the biggest impact on me as a person in trying to get the most out of myself on and off the field.
“I will definitely be on the phone to them pretty soon and catching up with them to get a few tips.”
Leading Fremantle in 2022 has also given Pearce the chance to approach his first official year as captain with more clarity.
“Initially when I took over last season there were unknowns on how I would manage things,” Pearce said.
“It was little things like speaking to the group before the game, the extra weight on the shoulders during the week and pre and post-game.
“A lot of that was brought on by myself. I found ways of alleviating some of that pressure and I will certainly have to do that now.
“How I lead will be different than how Nat, Dave and Pav led before me.
“I am looking forward to seeing how it is going to be, how I am going to best lead and it will be by utilising all three that I mentioned in helping me become that leader.”
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