Incoming Fremantle president Dale Alcock today confirmed the appointment of Water Corporation chief executive Sue Murphy and company director Tony Grist to the board of the Fremantle Football Club.

Prior to being appointed chief executive of the Water Corporation in 2008, Murphy, a civil engineer who holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from the University of Western Australia, had a distinguished 25-year career at Clough Engineering.

Her tenure as a long-time site engineer and project manager at Clough preceded various corporate roles at the company before Murphy was ultimately appointed to its board.

Murphy is also a member of UWA’s Senate, a board member of UWA’s Business School and chairman of the Navy Clearance Diver Trust.

The founder of Perth-based private investment group Albion Capital Partners, Grist was also the co-founder and chairman of Amcom Telecommunications (a former club sponsor), which subsequently merged with Vocus Communications to become a national telecommunications powerhouse.

Grist, who has a BA Commerce from UWA, has held directorships in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia in the healthcare, mining and energy industries.

The appointment of Murphy and Grist fills the vacancies on the board left by the departures of outgoing president Steve Harris and Grant Donaldson.

After nine years on the board, including seven as president, Harris ends his tenure as part of a long-term succession plan that paved the way for Alcock to become the club’s fifth president.

Donaldson also retires from the board, having reached the maximum allowable tenure for a director.

Alcock said that Murphy and Grist, who are both long-term Fremantle members, would significantly add to the board’s diverse range of skills and expertise.

“Sue and Tony are highly regarded in their respective fields and will each bring a range of different qualities and insight to the board’s deliberations and governance of our club for the future,” Alcock said.

Murphy said she was looking forward to “helping to make a great club even better”.

“The Dockers are entering a period of renewal and growth,” Murphy said.

“It is exciting to be part of any transformation, and one involving a football club that I am passionate about is irresistible.

“In my time as CEO at WaterCorp, we have seen a total transformation of water supply due to drying climate. I love to lead the change both inside our business and in driving for a waterwise community.

“I hope that my experience managing and leading change in a large organisation can add value as the club manages through an exciting new home, new stadium and new players.”

Grist said as a long-term member he had always believed that the club “truly represents a community”.

“As a businessman I'm impressed by the club’s long-term strategic approach to developing brand and culture,” Grist said.

“From a fan’s perspective, I'm very excited about the recent recruitment success in the trade period, which greatly enhances the near-term chance of on-field success.

“I have been fortunate in having had some amazing experiences helping build some great businesses as part of a team of professionals.

“However, I have probably learnt more from my mistakes over a long period of time, especially in the areas of strategy, branding, and most importantly, managing and motivating people. 

“It’s an honour to be asked to share some of those experiences as a new board member.

“I can only hope others will say, when I have finished my time serving the members, that I left the Fremantle Dockers a little better off than when I joined.”

Alcock also acknowledged the long-term contribution of Donaldson to the board and the club.

Donaldson, who served on the club’s inaugural board of management from 1994 to 1997, was appointed to the board for a second stint in 2008.

“Grant continually brought a razor sharp focus to the board and the club, and his passion and intellect have been drivers for our success,” Alcock said.

“We thank Grant for his invaluable contribution to the board and the club.”

Alcock, who was appointed a director in 2011 and vice president in 2015, also praised Harris for his leadership and wisdom.

“Steve initiated the succession plan for a new president more than 12 months ago and has also ensured the transition to a new president was seamless,” Alcock said.

“Steve’s leadership, wisdom and insight on a broad range of issues, particularly during his seven years as president, have been outstanding,” Alcock said.

“He has been at the helm during one of the most successful phases in the club’s history and his contribution to the club and dedication to the role during that time cannot be understated.

“As a club we look forward to delivering on the foundations for future success that Steve  helped lay during his tenure as a director and president.”