Fremantle retiring forward Sam Switkowski has reminisced on his career as a one-club player, detailing his love for Freo after he today confirmed he would hang up the boots at the conclusion of Fremantle’s finals campaign.
Speaking at his Wednesday afternoon media conference, Switkowski said Fremantle will always hold a special place in his heart.
“I just love the culture and the environment that we've created at this place for so many reasons,” Switkowski said.
“It’s a bit more fulfilling, and allows me to be a bit more content, leaving it feeling like I've made a bit of a contribution to that.
“People are really celebrated and accepted for who they are as people.
“It's very easy when you come into the system to just be so caught up and identify yourself as just a footballer, and you forget about the person behind it, and we do a great job of that now.
"There's so much care and belonging here.
“There's an attitude and mindset of putting the team and the Club first before yourself.
“We celebrate each other so well, and people love coming to work here.
“That's what I'm most proud of, and what I think is a pretty awesome part of being at Fremantle.
The 29-year-old has spent nine years in purple and will head into next week’s Qualifying Final poised on 127 AFL games.
Although excited about the potential of a “fairytale” finish to his career with Fremantle, Switkowski said that no matter what happens he is content with his decision, and it’s the memories and friendships he has created along the way that mean the most to him.
“It's clearly exciting, and we’re all human so we love a fairy tale finish, and we'd love to be there on the last day in September,” Switkowski said.
“But it actually doesn't change a hell of a lot for me. I've been content with this decision, and like I said, I've been enjoying every day.
“It's the people, and so many things about this Club that I love being a part of, and what makes me love coming in here.
“We've got the opportunity to do something great, but it’s not the way I've gone about it this year.
“It would be a bit of a contradiction to then put all my eggs in one basket to just think I'll only be satisfied if we win a flag this year.
Fremantle will face Hawthorn on Thursday September 3 at Optus Stadium.
