Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich says he is honoured to captain the Dockers for a ninth straight season in 2015, in what could be the final year of his decorated AFL career.
The Fremantle players vote on their leadership group and Pavlich again received the nod from his peers, with each player on the list providing their top three choices.
Joining him in the leadership group will be Nat Fyfe, David Mundy, Aaron Sandilands, Luke McPharlin and Lee Spurr.
Matt de Boer has been dumped after being unable to hold down a regular spot in the team in 2014.
There had been talk of Fremantle possibly giving a captaincy opportunity to veteran midfielder Mundy to reward him for his loyalty, or to reigning AFL Player’s Association MVP Fyfe, but instead the Dockers have stuck firm with their trusted leader.
Pavlich remains undecided on whether to continue playing beyond 2015.
But the 313-game, six-time All Australian and six-time club best and fairest winning 33-year-old will have at least one more chance at leading Fremantle to that elusive maiden premiership.
“I’m really excited about another year and the honour and privilege that comes with the position,” Pavlich said.
“I don’t take it for granted and never have, it’s a serious position and I take it on with a great deal of responsibility.
“I’m really excited and very privileged to be in the role again.”
While he acknowledges it is getting tougher to both be a physical and mental leader as his career nears an end, Pavlich, 33, still feels up to leading the group.
“I think the game is getting more challenging so it’s getting harder and harder every year whether you’re a young player or a senior player. And to stay a step ahead of the game and still perform really strongly is a challenge for everyone,” Pavlich said.
“Clearly I’m now getting close to the end of my career and I’ve got some body management issues that I’ve had for quite some time that I need to stay on top of but, look, I’m confident I’ve done the work.
“I feel fit, I’m ready, and I’m certainly very motivated to both play as best as I can and lead the group in a manner that is appropriate for the position.”
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