Fremantle will transition to a new Vice-President for the 2025 AFL and AFLW seasons, as Craig Carter completes his tenure on the Fremantle Football Club board and hands the reigns to Colleen Hayward.  

At the Club’s 2024 Annual Members’ Meeting on Tuesday night at the Esplanade the Club announced that outgoing Carter would be replaced by fellow board member Hayward for the 2025 season. 

A foundation member of the Fremantle Football Club, Carter was first appointed to Fremantle’s board in December 2014 and became vice-president in November 2016.  

The Club’s constitution limits board tenures to 10 years, and with the end of the 2024 AFL and AFLW seasons, Carter’s time has thus concluded and officially hands over the reins to Hayward. 

Hayward, a Fremantle member since 2004 and a senior Noongar woman has a wealth of board experience and extensive background in a range of areas including health, education, leadership and governance. 

Speaking on her appointment as vice-president, Hayward said she was honoured to play a role in shaping the Club she grew up supporting. 

"As a lifelong Fremantle supporter, this role is deeply personal to me,” Hayward said.  

“From the moment the Dockers entered the national competition, my passion for this Club was ignited.  

“To now serve as Vice-President is a tremendous honour, and I’m inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of a Club that holds such a special place in my heart."

Hayward is excited to work alongside President Chris Sutherland and the board to deliver a period of sustained success for the Freo family.

"Our fans are the lifeblood of this Club—loyal, authentic, and unwavering in their passion,” she said. 

“As an Aboriginal woman, I’m especially proud of Fremantle’s cultural foundations and our commitment to equity and diversity.  

“Seeing our AFLW team excel and witnessing our Aboriginal player legacy flourish is truly special, and it’s a privilege to be part of shaping this culture for the future. 

“I’m excited to work alongside Chris Sutherland and the Board to meet the aspirations of our members and, together, bring our Club’s first premiership the supporters so richly deserve." 

President Chris Sutherland said that the outgoing Carter has been instrumental during his time as vice-president and navigated the Club through some challenging times.

“His leadership and commitment during the past 10 years have been invaluable as we navigated some challenging and difficult decisions and changes during that period,” Sutherland said. 

“At the Club we talk about leaving a powerful legacy and leaving it in a better place than when you arrived, and Craig has certainly done that.”