The Fremantle Football Club has awarded four new individuals with Life Membership at the Club’s Doig Medal Presentation Dinner at Crown Perth on Saturday.

Longtime servants of the Club Luke Morfesse, Paul Salis and Dale Alcock joined co-vice-captain Andrew Brayshaw as Fremantle’s four new Life Member inductees.

Morfesse, a genuine Club favourite, was honoured after more than 16 years in an executive role that helped lead the Club’s Communications department to a position of off-field strength.

Morfesse explaining the significance of getting life membership

“just blew me away," Morfesse said.

"We get paid to go to footy… and just the nature of football clubs. They’re all embracing, they’re so much fun.”

“Thanks to Freo for providing me with the most rewarding, challenging and fun job I’ve had in my life."

More than just the public face, Morfesse has helped to preserve and celebrate Fremantle’s rich heritage for the future. He played a key role in producing two landmark history projects; the 20-Year Fremantle Dockers Illustrated History Book and Fibre of Freo, the Club’s 30-year Jumper History Book.

Few names are as closely tied with stability, vision and leadership at Fremantle as Dale Alcock. With a full term of 12 years on the Board - including seven pivotal years as President - Dale’s stewardship has left an indelible mark on the Club’s off-field trajectory.

Dale’s legendary generosity was truly on display at the height of the 2020 pandemic, when he donated a house and land package to the Club’s Forever Campaign - a measure of his unwavering commitment to securing Fremantle’s future.

Alcock explaining the moment when accepting the membership on stage. 

"To be recognised is pretty special. Just overwhelmed, it’s something you never expect but it’s a great honour," Alcock said.

"What I’m most proud of is getting Simon and Lucinda Garlick over to lead the footy club. Of course we had to go through a process, but I knew we had the right guy.

"It’s been an absolute hoot to lead this club and I love it to bits."

For more than 20 years, Paul Salis has been a trusted, steadfast presence at Fremantle.

Part of the football program’s heartbeat, Salis has cared for our players through his treatment work and kept the off-field engine running as co-ordinator of the Club’s property logistics, managing travel challenges while clocking up 50,000km each year as a valuable cog in the team.

"Just completely shocked. When I got to think about it, was thinking about my dad (Vic, a long-time trainer at Fremantle). He was a legend of the Club, a South Freo supporter. He would do anything for the players," Salis sais.

"To be honoured by a place that’s felt like a second home to me is something I will cherish.

"I just wanted to do my part to make a difference."

From the moment Andrew Brayshaw arrived at Fremantle, he set the standard through elite training standards, relentless preparation and professionalism well beyond his years.

Brayshaw has become a cornerstone of the Club, both on and off the field. A Doig Medallist, All-Australian and AFLPA MVP, the players’ resident ‘Quiz Master’ during down time is as well known for his run-down tackles and fierce will to win as he is for his humour and ability to connect with every person in the room.

Respected, admired and loved by teammates and supporters alike, Brayshaw’s impact has shaped the culture of the Club. As he joins the ranks of Fremantle Life Members, there’s no doubt he bleeds purple.

"It is a very special feeling, I definitely wouldn’t have thought I’d be standing up here when I was drafted," Brayshaw said.

"Still haven’t got to where we’re going to but I’ve re-signed and I definitely want to be a part of that first premiership team.

"I love this Club and hopefully we get it done soon. You’ve got a really committed group and hopefully we can go all the way."

Brayshaw paid tribute to fiancé Lizzie Stock who he will marry in 3 weeks.

“We did long distance for a while but she moved over here during covid and I couldn’t have done it without you," Brayshaw"

Fremantle now has 45 Life Members in 31 years of existence, following the four additions on Saturday night.