In light of media reports on the weekend that Peter Sumich had recently advised senior Fremantle officials that he would not be seeking to continue in his role as senior development coach/assistant coach following the end of his contract in October, Peter and the club have come to a mutual agreement that his tenure end on Monday.

Sumich, a dual premiership player with West Coast, joined Fremantle in 2011 as an assistant coach, a role he had held at the Eagles for the previous 11 seasons.

“The decision, which was by mutual agreement between Peter and the club, allows Peter more time to start planning for the next phase of his career,” General manager of football operations Chris Bond said.

“From the club’s perspective it provides us with an earlier opportunity to finalise our coaching structure for 2017.

“Peter brought a wealth of football knowledge and experience with him when he joined Fremantle in 2011 and has made a significant contribution to the progress and development of the club during the past five seasons.

“We wish Peter all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Sumich’s arrival at the club coincided with the appointment of Ross Lyon as senior coach of Fremantle.

“I certainly appreciated having someone with Peter’s football nous and experience as part of the coaching team when I first joined the club,” Lyon said.

“We thank Peter for his contribution to the Fremantle Dockers and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Sumich said he was grateful for the opportunity he had been provided by Fremantle.

“I would like to thank the Fremantle Dockers for giving me the opportunity to come from another AFL club and broaden my football knowledge,” Sumich said.

“I am now looking forward to the next phase of my career.”