Nat Fyfe will lead Fremantle for a sixth season as a part of a five-player leadership group in 2022.
Third-year player Caleb Serong is the newest addition to the group, joined by Alex Pearce, Andrew Brayshaw and David Mundy, who is set for a 13th year as a leader.
After five years in the leadership group, Michael Walters made the decision to stand down ahead of the vote, informing Senior Coach Justin Longmuir of the decision on Monday. He said he was thrilled to see a player like Serong take on the role in his place.
“I’ve been in the leadership group since 2017 but I thought it would be a good time to step down and focus more on leading from outside the leadership group and let someone step in and lead the Club forward for many years to come,” Walters said.
“I still see myself as a leader of this footy Club and I’m still going to lead no matter what, but in terms of an official role, I think it’s good to have someone like Caleb step in.
“He’s only coming into this third season, but even when he arrived you could tell he had that leadership quality, and it’s great that he now has this opportunity.”
As captain, Fyfe said he was both thankful for Walters’ contribution to the leadership group while expressing excitement for what Serong would bring.
“That’s the most exciting part about the vote, with Caleb coming in,” Fyfe said.
“Michael Walters has stepped out of the leadership and we’ve thanked him for the efforts he’s put in over a number of years in the leadership group and he’ll continue leading in his own way.
“Caleb coming in really shows that over the past couple of years, he’s developed himself as a player and we’re chuffed to have him in our leadership group.”
The importance of being added to Fremantle’s leadership wasn’t lost on the 21-year-old Serong.
“It means so much, it’s a great privilege to be voted by the players and coaches to be in the leadership group this year,” Serong said.
“For me, I have already learnt a lot from the guys, especially Nat Fyfe and David Mundy. We’ve got some great leaders there, so it’s a great privilege to be leading with those guys.”
Serong said he was looking forward to getting to work with Fremantle’s leaders.
“Nat is amazing, since I have been at the Club he is so willing with his time and energy to help the younger players and his teammates in whatever aspect they need,” Serong said.
“Once he gets on the field, he is an absolute beast and he is the kind of player that can chuck the team on his shoulders and really drive us.
“He is always there in those big games and crunch moments, so I think the players really see that in him.
“Dave is such an experienced head and being in the midfield as well, I have already learnt so much off him both on and off the field. He is just so consistent day-to-day and when stuff in the footy Club gets tough, he is the one who is just consistent and always there problem solving.
“Andy is obviously a really good mate and it’s been awesome coming up with him over the last couple of years and just learning from the way he has grown over the past few years.
“Everyone loves Alex, he is just that kind of guy around the Club that is connected to everyone and everyone can go speak to him. I feel like his on-field leadership has really grown over this off-season and he is really communicating on the field which is great for the team.”
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