Fremantle fans celebrate during the 2022 AFL Round 19 match between Richmond and Fremantle (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Fremantle will be under new leadership next season as the club begins its transfer to new president Chris Sutherland, who will begin his role in December 2023. Sutherland was previously a non-executive director for Fremantle before receiving the promotion to take Dale Alcock's position.

Both the current and future president spoke with Fremantle Media on Wednesday, with Alcock speaking on his time at the club.

“There are only 18 AFL presidents in the world, so to lead one of them while Australia's Indigenous game going from strength to strength with a women's league coming on board, it was really special,” Alcock said.

“But I'm most proud of how, despite our size, we are still a family. I started as president in November 2016, and in some of our darkest days where performance wasn't where it needed to be on the field.

“I feel very confident in passing the baton on to Chris Sutherland, who's just a top quality person who I know will continue to build on our achievements, but at the same time he's an independent thinker who will bring something new to the role.”

Sutherland shared his delight in the announcement, expressing his excitement for the future.

“It's a great privilege,” Sutherland said.

“This is a Club that belongs to all the members and supporters and I won't take the position lightly.

“We have such a strong foundation to grow from and there's a great opportunity in front of us.

“I think that Dale has done an outstanding job over his tenure through what has been a very difficult period.

“It's an exciting time to be involved at the Fremantle Football Club and I can't wait to see what the future holds.”

Alcock was Fremantle president since November 2016 and had been part of the Fremantle board since 2011.