President Dale Alcock would like to provide transparency to members and supporters following an inaccurate report implying CEO Simon Garlick could potentially depart the Club for a role at the AFL. 

“As a Club we don’t make a habit of responding to erroneous media articles, however on this occasion I feel it is important to our people to provide absolute clarity,” Alcock said.

“Simon has been transparent with me, the board and the executive in recent months about discussions he had with the AFL about the CEO role, which are no longer continuing.

“Given the high level of interest surrounding other potential appointments at AFL House, the Club has fielded a number of queries from credible journalists wanting to cross check facts prior to running a story, and as a result, have come to the conclusion there is no story surrounding Simon Garlick leaving the Club.

“Unfortunately, this particular commentator has chosen not to follow such journalistic methods.”

“Simon is highly regarded within the AFL industry. Our Board see first-hand the impact he and his management team continue to have on our Club.

“We understand as part of our Club’s ongoing improvement and build toward sustained success, our people may be targeted for other roles and opportunities. However inaccurate reports can potentially cause uncertainty and need to be called out.

“Simon has worked hard to embed himself in the Freo community and, alongside his management team, has established strong foundations and set ambitious strategic goals for our Club’s future. That is his absolute focus, and it will continue Friday night as we work to get the win over the SUNS at Norwood Oval for the AFL’s Gather Round”

Garlick was also asked questions on 3AW radio on Wednesday relating to AFL roles, to which he responded:

“My family moved over three and half years ago and we love it in Perth and we are in love with the footy Club.

“I understand there might be links made due to my history as a former Victorian but I am a happy sandgroper as it stands, and we have a lot of work to do and a lot of opportunity in front of us.

“We have done a lot of work from a people perspective in the last three years… and we think we are really well situated and the Club is in fantastic shape from a foundational point of view.

“We think we have a young cohort of players that are coming through together in that 18-23 (year-old) bracket that are going to serve us really well in years to come.

“That is where my focus is at and I can’t wait to help bring that sustained success to Freo.”