Fremantle Dockers captain Alex Pearce believes trusting himself more has allowed his leadership to flourish

Alex Pearce believes placing more trust in himself has allowed his leadership to flourish as he prepares to captain Fremantle for a fourth consecutive season.

The Dockers announced on Friday the veteran had been endorsed by players’ and coaches’ votes after a career-best season where he led his side to the finals for the second time in his tenure.

Pearce said he had learnt much over his three years in the position.

“I think I’ve just trusted myself a little bit more, and because of that, things have become a little bit easier,” Pearce said.

“The first year or so, trying to work out the role and how I was going to make it my own, I think I just thought a little bit too much about it. Now, I just really trust how I act and how I naturally lead is what my teammates really want and respect.

“I feel like there’s a lot of growth I’ve got left in me and I’m really excited to keep improving as a leader and hopefully be a part of taking this club forward to the ultimate success.

“To have the trust of the playing group and the coaching staff means a lot to me.”

The key defender played 16 games last season, which included one of the best moments of his career — a remarkable match-winning goal against Port Adelaide in round 22 which came after he swung himself into the forward line with the game on the line.

He is the fourth longest-serving captain in the club’s history, behind Matthew Pavlich (nine seasons), Nat Fyfe (six) and Peter Bell (five).

Fremantle’s executive general manager of football Joe Brierty said Pearce had received sweeping support from the entire club to continue in the role.

“It is no surprise Alex has once again been backed by his peers and the broader club to lead this side for a fourth year,” Brierty said.

“Alex’s growth as a leader has been outstanding. His values, work ethic, and ability to bring the group together continue to set the standard for our club.

“He embodies everything our trademark stands for, and the respect he commands from players and coaches alike was clearly reflected in the voting.”

Midfield superstars Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw will remain as Pearce’s deputies, despite calls for one or both of the pair to take on the captaincy having only grown louder in recent years.

Brayshaw was elevated to the leadership group in 2021 and was joined by Serong in 2022 and the duo have served as joint vice-captains since Pearce took over the top job ahead of the 2023 season.

“They continue to just grow and improve,” Pearce said of the pair.

The only other change to the club’s leadership group is the addition of Jordan Clark, who has been elevated for the first time on the back of an All Australian season in 2025.

Pearce said he was “really proud” of his fellow defender.

“He’s tried to really contribute for us off the field and become a leader and someone who has real influence on the training track, on the field, away from the club as well,” Pearce said.

“He’s matured a lot over his time since he made the move with us and I know he’s got a lot left in him and he’s really hungry to become a better player and a better leader. They’re the people you want to have in the leadership groups and the guys you want to play alongside.”

The rest of the club’s line-up of leaders remains unchanged, with Jaeger O’Meara, Sam Switkowski, Hayden Young and Josh Treacy remaining in their roles to complete an eight-player group.

“The reason why it’s big is these guys are getting votes and getting acknowledged by our playing group and our coaches that they’re doing a great job,” Pearce said.