Fremantle captain Alex Pearce says leading has become easier for him in season 2026.

Speaking at his Friday afternoon media conference as the Club enjoys their Round 14 bye, Pearce explained that being the captain and leading from the front has become easier as countless others have matured in their own development. 

"I feel like we've become a lot more  consistent in the way we go about things,” Pearce said. 

“We've been able to manage games, momentum within games, and I feel like just looking around at the players that we've had, there's been such great improvement in so many individuals in the way they're consistently performing, and the way they're leading out the field.

“I feel like my job as captain has become a lot easier because of the number of players that have elevated their leadership and their ability to influence others. 

“I’m proud of the steps that we've taken, for sure." 

Pearce has missed two games in 2026, handing the reigns of captaincy to the trusted hands of co-vice-captains Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.  

Speaking on his mind and body, Pearce said having time to reset and rest before a big second half of the season came at a good time ahead of a much-anticipated Stealth round game against the Cats at Optus Stadium next Thursday. 

“There's been certain periods this year where I've had a few, probably a few too many niggles, so the bye has probably come at a good time. 

“It's always nice to have a few days to just recharge.

“I definitely feel like I'm in a good spot physically and mentally to attack this season after the bye and chatting to the guys today after having a few days back home or down south, it's a good chance to just mentally refresh to go again and give everything for this next period.”  

Fremantle’s next opponent after the bye is Geelong and Pearce says his side will carry an extra bit of motivation to take down the Cats, the only side to beat Fremantle this season, with the captain explain an important lesson was taken from that loss. 

“You learn a lot from your losses, and we learned a lot from that game,” Pearce said.

“We obviously played quite well for the first half and a bit, and when we were under pressure, we didn't handle that.

“We had some really, really good meetings during the week about how we discussed what we want to do next time we're in that position.” 

Fremantle take on Geelong on Thursday 18 June at Optus Stadium, with the game commencing at 6.10pm WST.