Chief executive Steve Rosich has confirmed to The Sunday Times that Fremantle are carefully considering how to pay tribute to retired legend Matthew Pavlich.
The club has decided to rest the No.29 for 2017, a number that Pavlich wore for 353 games from 2000 to 2016, kicking 700 goals and winning six Doig Medals.
Rosich highlighted that it was important not to rush into a decision.
“No.29 is now a significant symbol to our football club,” Rosich told The Sunday Times.
“You have to make very careful decisions about them.
“We’ve had early discussions at board level and one school of thought is that (No.29) could be retired. But the other school of thought is that wouldn’t it be great to see someone else wear that No.29 jumper with pride in future seasons.”
Rosich added that Fremantle is also in the process of deciding on a Pavlich tribute at the new elite training and admin facility in Cockburn Central West.
“At this early stage, we couldn’t rule out anything. You want it to be appropriate and you also want it to stand the test of time.
“There have been plenty of ideas raised internally, and several external suggestions as well. It’s a considered process which is really important to us.
Pavlich told The Sunday Times he was honoured that the club had decided to rest the jumper for now, but added he wouldn’t have an issue if the number was handed down to another Fremantle player in the future.
“It’s not one of those things you expect,” Pavlich told the paper.
“I’m incredibly humbled by it and it’s a nice gesture from everyone there.
“In Australian sports it’s very rare for a number to be permanently retired. I think it’s nice to have that legacy live on and to see the No.29 still running around.
“My instinctive view is that someone should wear it in the future.”
