Dale Alcock might be new to the role as Fremantle’s president, but he’s no stranger to what it’s like to be a part of the Fremantle Football Club.

Alcock spoke like any dyed-in-the-wool Freo fan at Saturday night’s Doig Medal Presentation Dinner at Crown Perth – his first as President since taking over the reigns from Steve Harris in November, 2016.

Well known as one of Perth’s leading home builders, Alcock spoke about his direction for Fremantle. 

“Firstly, we know what we’re striving for and we know what we need to do to get there. We’ve defined our purpose to engage, entertain and win,” Alcock said.

“We have a vision to be the best AFL club both on the field but it’s more than that, it’s also about being a part of something.”

“It’s about a sense of belonging, of identity and connection. It’s about our cheer squad and the banner crew working hard on a Monday night. 

“It’s about sitting next to the same people at every home game. You’ve seen their kids and your kids grow up over every footy season. It’s about past players catching up and having a beer and a laugh and reminiscing. 

“It’s about Pav, Clive, Sandi, Cookie and Sonny. It’s all about a family – the Freo family. Once you’re here you never leave – that’s what it means to be a Freo Docker. “

Alcock said the club was excited about opening the new stadium, with Freo’s AFLW side set to play at the ground in 2018.

“We look forward to next season when we play at our new Freo fortress,” Alcock said.

“The Perth Stadium will be our home ground from day one, we will host the first Australian rules football game there with the AFLW fixture on the 10th of February.

“As we look back we also look forward to 2018, when we’ll add more Freo moments to Luke McPharlin’s mark of the year, Shauny Mac’s final game, Pav’s 700th goal, (Nat) Fyfe’s Brownlow speech and (Dave) Mundy’s goal after the siren against the Tigers. 

“Like me, I trust you all have your own Freo moment to cherish.”