Fremantle has appointed Noongar woman Colleen Hayward as the club's vice-president.
In her appointment, Professor Hayward becomes the AFL's first Indigenous club vice-president.
Professor Hayward joined the Dockers board in 2017.
She will replace the outgoing VP Craig Carter, who ends his vice-presidential tenure - which is limited to 10 years by the Club's constitution.
Hayward, a card-carrying Dockers' member since 2004, is set to offer a wealth of experience to Fremantle's club board with an extensive background in health, education, leadership and, most importantly, governance.
The Walyalup board member was the driving force behind the club's temporary name change during Sir Doug Nicholls Round in 2023 and 2024.
Her Indigenous passion for the club was also demonstrated in Hayward designing what proved to be a deeply-personal Walyalup Indigenous AFLW guernsey this year.
Hayward has previously conducted smoking ceremonies on behalf of the Dockers.
She has felt honoured to play a role in shaping a change to the only club she has supported in the AFL.
"As a lifelong Fremantle supporter, this role is deeply personal to me," Hayward said in a media statement.
"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."
Hayward added she is excited to work alongside president Chris Sutherland and to serve the club's board to deliver a period of sustained success for the Fremantle family.
"Our fans are the lifeblood of this club: loyal, authentic, and unwavering in their passion," she said.
"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."
Hayward is well qualified with a substantial list of credentials.
She has completed a Bachelor of Education, a Bachelor of Applied Science, and from Cambridge University in the UK, a Post Graduate Certificate in Cross Sector Partnerships.
She has previously been recognised for a number of honours and awards, including for claiming the 2006 Premier's Multicultural Ambassador's prize and in the 2008 the National NAIDOC Aboriginal Person of the Year award.
She was inducted into the Aboriginal Education Hall of Fame in 2009 and the WA Women's Hall of Fame in 2012 when she was also recognised as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia.
Hayward was awarded one of Murdoch University's Distinguished Alumni in 2015 for work in areas of equity and social justice.
She was also named as one of the state's 100 most influential West Australians in both 2015 and, again, 2016.
The emeritus professor of Edith Cowan University also serves as a board member on the Western Australian Cricket Association.
Hayward also currently works as an independent non-executive director of the iron ore, lithium and energy company, Mineral Resources.
