In the space of four days during the 2015 season, Lee Spurr had to prepare for an exam for his law degree, as well as a game of AFL football.

And he was clearly overwhelmed by the situation.

At Tuesday night’s Annual Members Meeting, the former Fremantle defender spoke about bringing his study notes to the massage table, just so he could get in as much preparation as he could.

This was when senior coach Ross Lyon stepped in, but not in the way Spurr expected.

“My physio Greg Mullins noticed I was very stressed,” Spurr said.

“Within an hour, Ross had come down grabbed me in the hallway and asked how I was going. As players, we always say to the coach ‘yeah, I’m great’ when you’re four days out from a game. 

“But he took one look at me and could tell I was not myself.

“He says to me ‘go home to prepare for tomorrow, and I don’t wont to see you at the club until after the exam is done’.”

“What happened that day is why I believe I was able to play football, complete my degree and leave football in a much better place than when I walked in.”

Spurr’s appearance at the Annual Members’ Meeting was a debut of sorts in his first as an MC.

The father of two, who now works as the Manager for Learning and Development for At Home Care, credited Lyon as well as the club for helping him prepare for life outside of football.

Spurr’s message resonated with everyone in the crowd, but it was particularly relevant for Fremantle’s new crop of draftees, who were in attendance. 

“Without the club’s influence I have no doubt that my life would be vastly different and I would not be the same person standing here before you today,” Spurr said.

“It’s still going to very hard, because nothing in life worth having is easy.

“But I’m in a position now where I am have transitioned from football to business and have an opportunity to build a life for my family, to give them the same support and opportunities to succeed that my family did.”

Spurr wrapped up by thanking Fremantle’s supporters, including the 300 members who attended the meeting.

“In 2012, Fremantle became my family,” Spurr said.

“This club would not exist without our members passionately supporting us through the great times and the difficult times.

“Just like a family, we are stick to together through the thick and thin until we triumph. On behalf of all the players past and present, I thank all of you.”