AFL
A commitment to Fremantle's premiership dream

Fremantle players, coaches, and football staff took part in a team sailing day on Friday, competing in several races around Matilda Bay, with one crew taking claiming bragging rights.

Sam Switkowski, Luke Jackson, Jack Delean, Quinton Narkle, Pat Voss and Charlie Nicholls were joined by forwards coach Jaymie Graham, Peel Thunder Senior Coach Adam Read, Indigenous Multicultural Liaison Officer Che Wyatt and Football Leadership Advisor Damian Martin in the winning boat, during a day full of fun and plenty of healthy competition.

After a warm welcome from Swan River Sailing Board Member and Americas Cup veteran Ben Durham, six matched Foundation 36 yachts set sail from Royal Perth Yacht Club, competing in several races around Matilda Bay.

145 PHOTOS: AFL Team Sailing Day

AFL players and football staff came together for a team sailing day at Royal Perth Yacht Club, all thanks to Swan River Sailing.
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Speaking post-win, Martin said that after a gruelling pre-season in the Perth heat, a day on the boats was a way for players to unwind and experience something new ahead of the Club’s season-opener on Saturday 15 March.

“Thanks to Swan River Sailing, it was a lot of fun being out of our comfort zone and learning something new,” Martin said.

“You can still tell that it doesn’t matter whether the guys are kicking a football or sailing a boat — their competitive nature naturally kicks in.

“I don’t mind admitting that I was on the crew that took out the gold medal. I have no doubt that if Sam Switkowski decided to take up sailing as a skipper, and with Pat Voss’s hard work and motivation, they’d be the guys to have.”

A new challenge for the entire group, Martin said that a level playing field and a change of scenery was a way for players, coaches and football staff to test themselves and push their boundaries.

“When you spend so much time around each other, at times I think the most beneficial thing to do is step out of your comfort zone and do something a little bit different.

“I wasn’t expecting to enjoy myself as much as I did - with the banter, the friendships continuing to develop and evolve, and learning something new.

“I don’t think any of the players went home without a smile on their face.”

Fremantle’s first game of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season is a Round 1 meeting with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.