The Fremantle Football Club has awarded four new individuals with Life Membership at the Club’s Doig Medal Presentation Dinner at Crown Perth on Wednesday.
Inaugural Fremantle player Gabby O’Sullivan joined two-time All-Australian Luke Ryan as the two player inductees. At the same time, Fremantle administrators Kellie Black and Graeme Parker were also inducted as long-time servants of the Club.
O’Sullivan becomes just the third AFLW player, behind Hayley Miller and Kara Antonio, to be inducted as a Life Member, after playing the required 60 AFLW games last season to earn Life Membership. O’Sullivan is one of the four original W Freo Docker players who still remain at the Club.
“It’s incredibly special. To be inducted after Hayley (Miller) and Kara (Antonio) is such an honour," O'Sullivan said during her acceptance speech.
“To play in the first ever AFLW game for the Fremantle Dockers is something I’m extremely proud of.
“To the Fremantle Football Club I can’t thank you enough for the investment you have put in and it really feels like a one Club environment.
Originally taken at pick No. 66 in the 2016 National Draft, Ryan has had a standout career at Fremantle, earning himself two All-Australians, a Doig Medal (2020), and this year surpassing the Club’s criteria of 150 AFL games to join the illustrious list of Life Members.
“I was pretty lucky Freo took me at pick 66 and to just play one AFL game was pretty special for me," Ryan said.
“I couldn’t have done it without my family. All the work they put in when I was a teenager driving me everywhere was special.
“Thank you to the coaches, the Fremantle Football Club and to my teammates. I’m looking for to what next year brings.
A crucial member of Fremantle and recognised for her commitment to the Club for her work as Heads of Events for more than two decades, Black was awarded Life Membership for a career that can only be described as being the driving force behind creating memorable experiences for the Purple Army.
Known as the heart of the Club, she and her events team have made dreams come true for countless fans during Freo’s match days, from junior mascots to long-time supporters. Kellie’s vision and passion have turned Fremantle into more than just a football Club.
“I am so, so grateful to be up here. This Club means so much to me and it is such an honour to be up here,” Black said.
“Back in 2005 in a male-dominated industry the love and support I got, that’s why I love this Club. I didn’t have to ask for the support it was just given to me and that’s why I love this Club.
“I have been privileged to be mentored by so many great people over my 20 years at the Club."
Throughout Fremantle’s 30-year history, few have contributed as much off the field as Parker did in his 16 years at Freo. He managed the Club's complex finances as Financial Controller before being elevated to Chief Financial Officer.
Over his time, Parker was also responsible for a range of portfolios including IT, sponsorship, and events, as well as stepping in as interim CEO in 2019.
Parker was instrumental in setting up the Club's charitable arm, the Purple Hands Foundation and still holds a director role on the board.
Known for his problem-solving skills and unwavering commitment, he played a key role in major achievements, from the Optus Stadium agreement to guiding the Club through the COVID-19 crisis
“Sport and business are my two passions, being able to combine the two at Fremantle has been a special time for me,” Parker said.
“I’ve had so many special moments with so many staff members, it is the people that make this Club so great and I am honoured to have been a part of it."
The Club has 41 Life Members from its 30 years of existence, following the four additions from Wednesday's Doig Medal.
