Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich says the playing group has “embraced” the club’s decision to establish its new elite training and administration facility (ETAF) at Cockburn Central West.

Pavlich was speaking after Fremantle president Steve Harris and City of Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett signed a heads of agreement today that will see the club develop its ETAF at a 26,000sqm green field site at Cockburn Central West.

The new world class facility will be located within a minimum $107 million development in the City of Cockburn and integrated with its state-of-the-art regional aquatic and recreation centre.

“We’re wrapt that a decision has been reached and the planning can go forward,” he said.

“For us to be the most competitive and give ourselves the very best opportunity means having the best facilities and from what we’ve seen today this development will allow us to do that.

“The space we have at Fremantle isn’t practical but coming out here and starting a fresh with a whole new facility just means that there will be huge amount of opportunity for the guys.

“There was a bit of buzz and excitement around the club this morning about the world class facilities the players will have to operate in.
“Certainly, from that perspective the playing group has really embraced the change. All the players want to do is have the best facilities and to be able to prepare as best we can as a team and as individuals.”

Pavlich said while the club would always maintain strong links with Fremantle, the new facility would allow the club to increase its level of community engagement.

“We will clearly always be the Fremantle Dockers and have a huge amount to do with the community down there,” he said.

“Being a substantial development there will be significant community engagement aspect as well at Cockburn, and that not only benefits the playing group and the team but the community as well.”

City Of Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett said the decision by the Fremantle Dockers to identify Cockburn Central West as the club’s preferred development option would create a “win-win situation”.

“The proposed facilities would form part of an integrated recreation facility for the community, along with an elite athlete training component,” Howlett said.

“The facility would be located in one of the fastest growing urban areas in Western Australia with close involvement of Curtin University to conduct education, clinical placements and research on the same site,” he said.

“We welcome the Fremantle Dockers to Cockburn as a part of the greater Fremantle region and the opportunities for people of all ages and abilities who will have access to an unparalleled range of community facility and services aimed at improving their health, wellbeing and lifestyle.

“We have been inundated with calls and comments for our community saying what a great concept, what a great idea this is really going to enhance our aquatic and community recreation facility.”