The Fremantle Football Club has released an updated ‘Stretch’ Reconciliation Action Plan, launched during a function at Sunday’s AFLW Indigenous Round game with St Kilda at Fremantle Oval.

Attendees at the function included Life Members and past indigenous players Roger Hayden, Dale Kickett and Michael Johnson, as well Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill.

This is the Club’s third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and second Stretch RAP, which focuses on implementing longer-term strategies while working towards defined measurable targets and goals.

The 38-page document outlines 24 actions and 80 deliverables, with each deliverable aligned with a timeline so the Club can be accountable and track its progress. 

Through these deliverables, the Club will push for a reconciled Australian community that is united and built on respect; where all are welcome and have the opportunity to thrive.

Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick said the Club’s updated RAP was of significant importance to the Club’s Strategic objectives.

“This is our opportunity to build and extend upon the successes of the Club’s first Stretch RAP, despite the challenges we naturally faced when it was launched at the start of the COVID pandemic in March 2020,” Garlick said.

“We believe this RAP stands alongside our Purpose to enrich the community, our Vision to leave a powerful legacy and our Anchors, which charge us to be proud of our history, embrace our diversity and show our passion.

“No club has had more AFL and AFLW games played by Indigenous players than Fremantle, despite being the third youngest Club in a league that formed in 1896.

“One of our most significant achievements came in 2023 when we renamed to the Walyalup Football Club during the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round and the AFLW’s Indigenous Round.

“This was much more than a rebranding process. It was embracing and acknowledging the cultures, who for tens of thousands of years, have connected to the land where we work, train and play.

“The Club would like to thank Indigenous Program Partner Woodside Energy, Club Patron Dr Richard Walley, OAM, board member Professor Colleen Hayward, AM, and the Club’s internal and external RAP Groups for their continued support and involvement, including their assistance in the development of this RAP.

“Finally, I would like to recognise Reconciliation Australia for the integral role it continues to play in the journey to reconciliation and unity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians.”

AFL captain and Palawa man Alex Pearce spoke of the importance of Fremantle embracing its Indigenous history.

“When I arrived at the Club in 2013, I was lucky to have several Indigenous leaders and role models to learn from,” Pearce said.

“Roger Hayden was my first development coach and I got to train and play alongside the likes of Michael Johnson, Danyle Pearce, 'Sonny' Walters and Stephen Hill – all guys who are committed and dedicated footballers but are also proud and strong Indigenous men.

“Fremantle have long been proud of the contributions of its Indigenous players, and both internally and externally, we make sure to give the important Indigenous dates throughout the year the time and respect that they deserve.

“This experience has helped me feel more comfortable in embracing my Indigenous culture and history. I have learnt a lot, and I don’t think I would have the same level of connection to my culture if I wasn’t at the Club.

“As well as having an impact on me, I hope this impact is felt within our membership base, supporter base and around the AFL.

“The Club’s decision to play under the name Walyalup this year is a big step, and it’s another opportunity for our members and supporters to learn more about Indigenous culture.

“I’m proud to be a part of a Club that takes those opportunities - and in a way takes the risk to put itself out and be proud of who it is.

“Through the work of this RAP, I look forward to seeing how we continue to have an impact on everyone at the Club, our members and supporters and the broader community.”

Fremantle AFLW player Mikayla Morrison spoke about her pride in growing her leadership as a Noongar, Yamatji, Kija woman.

“I am proud to be part of the Fremantle Football Club,” Morrison said.

“It’s an organisation that’s very culturally aware, has provided great support to me as a football player and has encouraged me to embrace my Indigenous heritage and identity.

“Roger Hayden has played a significant role in providing that support, he’s always checking in and seeing if I need anything from a cultural or football perspective.

“I’ve been lucky to learn a lot from our past AFLW Indigenous players in Gemma Houghton, Tiah Toth and Jasmin Stewart. 

“As the only current Indigenous player on our AFLW list, I’ve grown the confidence to come out of my shell and provide similar guidance to my teammates. They’re all very willing to learn, and it’s not reliant on me going to them and wanting to start a conversation. 

“They’re coming to me with things they want to learn, which I think is so important, and is a reflection of the culture that’s developed here.

“It was great hearing how Fremantle was the first AFL Club to do an Indigenous jumper and the first to do a Welcome to Country. This year we played as Walyalup in the Sir Doug Nicholls and AFLW Indigenous Rounds.

“Through the connections the Club has developed, namely Uncle Richard Walley and Aunty Colleen Hayward, I look forward to seeing how we continue to grow our connection to Indigenous culture and provide more education going forward.”

There are four RAP types under Reconciliation Australia guidelines – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate.

This Stretch RAP is for the period between October 2023 and September 2026.

The Club wishes to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the following individuals during this process and the Club’s Indigenous Program Partner, Woodside Energy. 

Their heart and input were vital in the creation and implementation of this plan.

The internal working group involved in the development of the Club’s RAP and responsible for its ongoing implementation includes

• Brady Grey, Indigenous Player Liaison and Development Coach (Internal Champion)*
• Roger Hayden, Next Generation Academy (NGA) Coach (Internal Champion)*
• Jana Gernhoefer, Senior Client Services Manager (Internal Champion)
• Jade Holmes, Facilities and Projects Administrator (RAP Administrator)
• Kasey Passmore, Executive General Manager Communications, Marketing and Community (RAP Chair)
• Mark Anderson, former Player Development Manager
• Joe Brierty, Chief Operating Officer
• Simon Eastaugh, Head of Community Engagement
• Ashli Fletcher, Events Coordinator
• Darryn Fry, AFLW Manager
• Tony Godden, Merchandise Manager
• Anna Palma, Graphic Designer
• Sean Raynor, Head of IT
• Amber Van Dam, Assistant Accountant
• Brad Wellings, Head of People and Culture
• Pia Zoiti, Premium Sales Executive

The RAP External Advisory Group who guided the formation of the club’s RAP included:

• Ms Kelly Beckman, Programmed representative*
• Dr Sean Gorman, AFL representative
• Mr Tony (Tonji) Hansen, community representative*
• Mr Des Headland, past players representative*
• Mr Michael Johnson, past staff and players representative*
• Ms Sharon Reynolds, Woodside Energy and Club Indigenous Program Partner representative*
• Ms Raquel Todd, member representative*
• Dr Richard Walley, Club Patron*

In collaboration with:

• Ms Colleen Hayward, representing the FFC board*
• Ms Mikayla Morrison, representing FFC AFLW players and program*
• Mr Michael Walters, representing FFC AFL players and program*

*denotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples