Fremantle players and sponsors enjoyed an evening out at Optus Stadium on Wednesday night as the playing group took the opportunity to say thanks for their support for the 2018 season.
The occasion marked 15 years for one particular player sponsor, Zentner Shipping, who’ve been on board with David Mundy for all but one of his 16-year career at Fremantle.
Players showed their sponsors around Freo’s new home ground, including the changerooms and warm-up areas before enjoying a dinner at the Victory Lounge.
Ernie Zentner said his company took on David Mundy as they wanted to help an interstate player settle in WA.
“When the player sponsorship came up, the idea was to sponsor a young player new to the state,” Zentner said.
“I remember David sitting at our table as a really green Victorian, looking homesick and he didn’t say a word.”
“When the opportunity came to sponsor a player I automatically thought of David. I thought that our family has something we can contribute towards David."
“It was a good choice, I’m happy I did it.”
Once shy at player dinners, Mundy took centre stage alongside members of the leadership group.
Mundy spoke of the excitement building around Fremantle’s growing young players, alluding to the 2008 intake that included a number of Fremantle’s 2013 Grand Final team including Stephen Hill, Michael Walters and Hayden Ballantyne.
“It’s an exciting time. It’s probably for the second time to be honest, I’ve been hanging around for a while,” Mundy said.
“I think the group that we’re assembling and the talent that we have is at a very high quality. We’re looking at playing in a more consistent manner at home and away.”
