Fremantle captain Alex Pearce says the addition of Jordan Clark to the Club’s now eight-man leadership group has come about through consistent improvement both on and off the field.
Speaking to fremantlefc.com.au on Friday following the announcement of the 2026 leadership group, Pearce noted Clark’s experience and influence within the group were standout factors reflected in the vote.
“I'm really proud of Jordan. He's worked really hard over the last couple of years to elevate his game, and we saw that last year with the season he had on the field,” Pearce said.
“Along with how he's tried to improve and become the best footballer he can be, he's also tried to really contribute for us off the field and become a leader and become someone who has real influence on the training track, on the field, and away from the Club as well.
“He's matured a lot over his time since he made the move to us (from Geelong), and I know he's got a lot left in him.
“He's really hungry to become a better leader and a better player, and they're the people you want to have in a leadership group, and the type of guys you want to play alongside.”
More broadly, Pearce explained alongside Clark’s addition to the ranks, the group featured a well-balanced contingent of experience and youth.
“It’s quite a big group, for the last couple of years, adding JT (Josh Treacy) and now Clarky, but the reason why it's big is because these guys are getting votes and getting acknowledged by our playing group and our coaches that they're doing a great job both on and off the field,” Pearce said.
“It’s a really diverse leadership group with the different ages.
“Jaeger (O’Meara) and I have been around for a little bit longer, and we’ve seen how guys like Caleb (Serong) and Andy (Brayshaw) have elevated themselves over the past couple of years.
“Treacy has probably taken the biggest jump in the last 12 months. That's a testament to him wanting to take on more responsibility and our fans see that on the field with how he how he plays, and how he demands respect from everyone in the competition.
“Sam Switkowski is just the ultimate professional who’s such a great man behind the scenes to help educate our younger group.
“Hayden Young had such an interrupted season last year and didn't have the year that he wanted to just having to fight injuries.
“Even despite that, he’s still been able to lead in a different way and continue to grow and build the respect of his teammates.”
Clark’s outstanding 2025 season saw the hard running half back earn his inaugural All Australian blazer, setting career high numbers in disposals (579), tackles (72), clearances (32), pressure acts (310) and ground ball gets (127).
