Colleen Hayward: Fremantle Dockers lock in new vice-president

Fremantle will usher in more leadership at the top, with senior Noongar woman Colleen Hayward elevated to vice-president for the 2025 season. Hayward will replace Craig Carter, who has completed his maximum tenure of 10 years on the board. The move was announced at the club’s annual members’ meeting on Tuesday night at the Esplanade in Fremantle. Carter joined the board in late 2014 and became vice-president two years later. He was a foundation member of the club. Fremantle Ports chairman Chris Sutherland will enter his second season as president, having taken over from Dale Alcock at the end of 2023. Emeritus professor at Edith Cowan University, Hayward has a background in health, education, leadership and governance. She has been a Fremantle member since 2004 and director since late 2017. “As a lifelong Fremantle supporter, this role is deeply personal to me,” Hayward said. “From the moment the Dockers entered the national competition, my passion for this Club was ignited. “To now serve as vice-president is a tremendous honour, and I’m inspired by the opportunity to contribute to the legacy of a Club that holds such a special place in my heart. “Our fans are the lifeblood of this Club—loyal, authentic, and unwavering in their passion. “As an Aboriginal woman, I’m especially proud of Fremantle’s cultural foundations and our commitment to equity and diversity. “Seeing our AFLW team excel and witnessing our Aboriginal player legacy flourish is truly special, and it’s a privilege to be part of shaping this culture for the future. “I’m excited to work alongside Chris Sutherland and the Board to meet the aspirations of our members and, together, bring our Club’s first premiership the supporters so richly deserve.” Sutherland said Carter had helped to navigated the club through some challenging times in his time as vice-president. “His leadership and commitment during the past 10 years have been invaluable as we navigated some challenging and difficult decisions and changes during that period,” Sutherland said. “At the club we talk about leaving a powerful legacy and leaving it in a better place than when you arrived, and Craig has certainly done that.” Fremantle enters the final year of its strategic plan and while it has hit a number of key metrics, they are yet to deliver on elusive AFL or AFLW premierships. The Dockers are coming off a successful trade period where they secured the services of Richmond premiership gun Shai Bolton on a five-year deal. Sutherland told the annual members meeting the club was “striving to improve” every day. “This club is not afraid to take risks as we seek to deliver the ultimate succes for you, our loyal supporters,” Sutherland siad. AFL coach Justin Longmuir said the improvement from this year’s 10th placing, just two points from eighth, would come from player and staff acquisitions, leadership, scenario planning and the mental side of the game. AFLW coach Lisa Webb said the Dockers, who finished fifth this season, would be active in a “really deep draft” on December 16. CEO Simon Garlick told members the club would “continue to strike a balance of being ruthless, driven, accountable and uncompromising while at the same time being inclusive, dynamic, open and fun”.