Fremantle’s Nat Fyfe has stood down as the club’s captain following six seasons in the role.
The midfielder announced the decision to his teammates at the club on Tuesday after originally taking the role in 2017.
The two-time Brownlow medallist says the decision to step down was tough but something he intuitively knew was right.
“The decision was tough. It has been something I've known for the last three or four weeks,” Fyfe said.
“Last year was a challenging year for me individually, but a great year for the Club and it started to pave the way for a transition.
“Intuitively, I knew that it was an exciting opportunity for the Club for me to step aside and let someone else come through.
“It took a while for the emotions and my mind to line up with my intuition, it feels like I was letting go of a dream in some ways, but once I connected with that feeling, it opens up the possibility for so much more.
“I'm optimistic about what this transition can do for the club.”
Fyfe won’t take on any official leadership duties in 2023 but will continue to mentor players and work on his forward craft as he shifts away from a midfield role.
“By stepping away completely from the leadership group that allows me to focus all my energy on helping our other forwards and learning my craft again,” Fyfe said.
“It also allows someone else to step into the leadership group potentially and give us that fresh push of leadership which will propel us forward.”
Fremantle GM of Football peter Bell thanked Fyfe for his outstanding contribution as skipper.
“On behalf of the Fremantle Football Club I would like to thank Nathan for his vitally important contribution as captain for the past six seasons,” Bell said.
“Last year we emerged from a significant list rebuild into a return to finals, and as captain through that period, Nathan was a vital stabilising force and leader through that transition.
“Nathan led by example both on and off the field, and the strength we boast as a Club right now from a talent, work ethic and leadership perspective can be attributed to his guidance.
“I understand Nathan’s desire to both stand aside as captain as well as any formal leadership duties so he can best focus on his football, but we know that his influence on the group will continue.”
The club will announce their new skipper and leadership group later this month.