David Mundy Biography

Andrew McLeod will chair the five-person panel that will decide the winner of the Norm Smith medal in the 2022 AFL Grand Final between Geelong and Sydney.

McLeod will be joined on the panel by Jonathan Brown and David Mundy, as well as former Adelaide AFLW player and Seven Network commentator Abbey Holmes and Michael Gleeson from The Age.

David Mundy announces he will retire at the end of the 2022 season when he will depart as Fremantle's games record holder after 19 seasons.

"I’ve been living my dream for 19 years now and I’ve loved every bit of it," Mundy said.

"Not all of it has been easy, there’s been quite a few, really hard and emotional bits to it, but I’ve been able to grow as a person and as a player throughout my time at Fremantle and I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Turning 37 next month and with coaching courses under his belt, David Mundy is a keen student of the coaching caper, unofficially also acting as a playing on-field coach for the Dockers.

"He comes and sits in at times in our coaches' strategy meetings, and he's got a really good understanding of the game," Fremantle midfield coach Josh Carr said ahead of Mundy's 366th game.

"He's more a sponge than anything, trying to learn from the coaches and get an understanding of how we think and what we talk about.

"Then it's really easy when we deliver the strategy to the playing group, he can help deliver that. He's in those conversations with the players all the time and able to give context to why we're doing something or why we've changed something."

Nat Fyfe will captain Fremantle for a sixth straight year in 2022, heading a five-man leadership consisting of Andrew Brayshaw, Alex Pearce, David Mundy, and newly promoted Caleb Serong.

Michael Walters has decided to step down from the leadership group in 2022 after five years in the role.

David Mundy says he is keen to play on beyond 2021 as he approaches his 350th game.

Mundy will become just the second WA-based player to reach the milestone and the 18th player in VFL/AFL history, with the midfielder also closing in on Matthew Pavlich's club record of 353 games.

"I've said along the journey that I want to play as long as I can and as long as I'm contributing effectively on-field. I certainly feel like I'm doing that at the moment and pulling up really well," Mundy said.

David Mundy signs a one-year contract extension with Fremantle to play on in 2021.

"It's a big relief. My wife and family and I are obviously thrilled to have some clarity around our future now. 2020 in general has been a time of more questions than answers, so it's good to have it signed," Mundy said.

Nat Fyfe will continue as captain for the fourth straight season after the Dockers named an unchanged leadership group for 2020.

Fyfe will be supported by veteran David Mundy, star Michael Walters, key defenders Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling, and Reece Conca.

"I think it's a great decision by the playing group to stick with the exact leadership group in 2020," Fyfe said.

"It shows that what the guys delivered in terms of setting the standards and leading in the right direction was on track.

"I think the six guys that we've got in there with Michael Walters, David Mundy, Joel Hamling, Reece Conca, Alex Pearce and myself, there's good touch points across the whole group."

David Mundy sustains a fibular fracture just above his left ankle while riding a bike with his kids and a pedal smashed into his leg.

The Dockers are unsure how long the midfielder will be sidelined, but he requires non weight-bearing immobilisation for at least four weeks.

David Mundy signs a one-year extension with Fremantle to remain at the club in 2020.

"I've been thinking about (re-signing) fairly seriously throughout the entire year - gauging my mental desire, physical abilities and how much I was still contributing to the team," Mundy said.

"In my discussions with my management and family, we agreed we're always keen to go on as long as I'm valuable on field."

David Mundy celebrates his 300th AFL game with a win over the Western Bulldogs, finishing with 28 possessions, six clearances and two goals.

"It's been an emotional week, to be honest. I have never experienced the individual focus as I've felt this week," Mundy said after the game.

"The love and admiration from the whole Fremantle faithful and guys at the club has been overwhelming."

Former Freo recruiting boss Phil Smart selected David Mundy with pick 19 in 2003 and is pleased to see his recruit reach 300 games this week.

"To see him get to 300 games, and to recruit a young Victorian boy back then and for him to hang around and not leave – which he could have done a number of times I'm sure – and stay loyal to the club is a fantastic thing," Smart said.

"As a defender, nobody really kicked any goals on him as a kid. He ran and carried the ball, he was a bit of a long-strider, which you always think 'oh, geez, can he play midfield? Can he turn?' but that evolved and he ended up turning into an elite midfielder.

"He deserves all the accolades he gets."

David Mundy will play in his 300th AFL game this week against the Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.

"I play a team-orientated game and I'm looking for team success and for the team to really thrive. So to get really personal, individual and those well-wishes and messages of support, love and admirations, it's overwhelming," Mundy said.

"Personally, I'm really relieved to have got to this point now. My family and friends all booked their flights about four weeks ago for round six.

"That had been playing fairly heavily on my mind about avoiding a little calf or hamstring injury that will keep me one week out."

David Mundy says he has given no thought to scaling back his workload, declaring he is ready to play every game and reinforce Fremantle's injury-hit midfield ahead of his 15th campaign.

"I've always mentally and physically tried to prepare myself to play mid, because each end has its challenges but midfield is physically more demanding than any other role that I've played or experienced," he said.

Nat Fyfe will lead the Dockers for a third season as skipper in 2019, while Joel Hamling joins off-season recruit Reece Conca as a new leader, with David Mundy, Michael Walters and Alex Pearce making up the rest of the group.

Veteran ruckman Aaron Sandilands has stepped aside after a 10-year stint.

Lachie Neale wins his second Doig Medal as Fremantle's best and fairest for 2018.

Neale polled 186 votes ahead of David Mundy (164) and Nat Fyfe (150).

Only Matthew Pavlich (six), Peter Bell (three), Aaron Sandilands (two) and Fyfe (two) – arguably Freo's four greatest players – had won the award more than once before Neale saluted as 2018's best Docker.

"Those names are really special players for this footy club and I don’t see myself in that esteem at the moment, but hopefully I'm building a career that at the end of it all I can look back and be really proud on," Neale said.

"There's some absolute stars that have come through the door and those names I feel very lucky and privileged to be in this position."

David Mundy signs a new contract to remain at Fremantle in 2019.

"I’m fortunate enough to be offered another contract, so I’ll be continuing my individual journey for at least another year at Fremantle," Mundy said.

"I’m very thankful for being able to play AFL football and I feel very lucky that this can continue."

Alex Pearce has been added to an expanded Fremantle leadership group in 2018, which will be led by captain Nat Fyfe for the second season.

Bradley Hill the other new addition to the group after an outstanding first season with the club.

Michael Walters, Lachie Neale, David Mundy and Aaron Sandilands retained their leadership roles, while veteran defender Lee Spurr was the only player to make way from the 2017 group.

David Mundy believes he can play every game in 2018, and and says he is not contemplating retirement.

"I'm certainly not going to put my hand up to get off the bus or have a rest or anything like that," Mundy said.

"I'm preparing my mind and body as I do every year.

"My goal every year is to play as much football as I can and to play as well as I can, so that hasn't changed."

David Mundy will play on in 2018 after triggering a one-year contract extension.

Nat Fyfe will captain Fremantle in 2017 after succeeding David Mundy as skipper of the club.

Fyfe, Mundy, Aaron Sandilands and Lee Spurr have been joined in the 2017 leadership group by star forward Michael Walters and reigning Doig medallist Lachie Neale.

Veteran defender Michael Johnson has been left out after a controversial off-season incident, which saw him charged with assault in a kebab shop.

"It's just fantastic to get the support of the players, and to also have two new members of the leadership group," Fyfe said.

"It's an exciting time for the footy club and we have an exciting group to lead the club for the next four or five years."

David Mundy says the Dockers can bounce back quickly, despite coach Ross Lyon warning last week that a rebuild could take four years.

"I've got different opinions about a number of things than Ross and that may just be one," Mundy said.

"All I know is that we're working really hard together to try and make sure that the rebuild, or the bounce, is as quick as it can be and we're back playing finals football as soon as we can be. That's what we're here for."

Fremantle skipper David Mundy could be regarded as the second-best player in the club's history behind Matthew Pavlich, according to former teammate Luke McPharlin.

"He probably doesn't have the accolades, Peter Bell has won a few more best and fairests than him, and things like that," McPharlin said.

"At his best, I think he ranks second to Pav, in my opinion, in terms of the impact that he's able to have on games at his absolute scintillating best.

"Clearly Nat Fyfe is a gun and a champion, but I think what separates David a little bit is just his incredible decision making and his ability to execute under pressure.

"Certainly when David's absolutely firing, and I'm just thinking about some of the finals he's played, he's been incredible. So I rate him very highly."

David Mundy says he is ready to step out of his comfort zone into his new role as captain of Fremantle.

"I feel it is a really big area that I have grown in," Mundy said.

"So I am certainly not uncomfortable with being uncomfortable. I am really looking forward to the challenges coming my way."

Mundy said his age was not a barrier to the length of time he could hold the captaincy.

"I am contracted for another two years," Mundy said.

"I have only had one major injury scare, otherwise I have been really resilient.

"I don't see myself giving up this caper in the near future. As long as I displaying the club's values and the players value what I am providing, I am happy to be their captain."

David Mundy is selected by the Fremantle playing group as captain of the club for 2016.

Following Matthew Pavlich's decision on Wednesday to step down after nine years in the role, every Docker selected five teammates on a 5-4-3-2-1 points basis.

Pavlich will remain in the leadership group, joining new member Michael Johnson, Lee Spurr, Aaron Sandilands and reigning Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe.

"It's a huge thrill for me. It's a fantastic honour to be Fremantle's next captain," Mundy said.

"In my time here I've had the privilege to play underneath Peter Bell and Matthew Pavlich, both great examples of fine captains and great people.

"I hope to emulate that to a certain extent and be a really shining light for our playing group and hopefully that can really drive some on-field success."

Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands has created a massive boilover in Fremantle's best and fairest, becoming the oldest winner of the Doig Medal on Saturday night.

Sandilands, 32, won his second Doig Medal in a thrilling count by just five votes from midfielder David Mundy.

Brownlow medallist and AFL Players' Association MVP Nat Fyfe finished fourth with Stephen Hill claiming third for the second straight season.

The Dockers' voting system made it difficult for Fyfe to claim his third straight medal. Five coaches give each player a vote from zero to five for each game, meaning the maximum votes a player can tally in each game is 25.

Fyfe led the count after round 17 by 45 votes, with Sandilands sitting fourth behind Mundy and Lachie Neale. But Fyfe missed four of the last six games through injury, and played the preliminary final with a broken leg.

Mundy led Sandilands by five votes at the end of the home and away season but the ruckman polled better in the two finals to win the medal.

"I'm in a bit of shock, to be honest," Sandilands said.

"We've had so many players who have had such great years.

"Fyfey obviously won the Brownlow and David Mundy has had a stellar year and I thought those two would fight it out."

David Mundy kicks the matchwinning goal with only a minute left on the clock against Richmond.

"That is what they are paid to do," Lyon said of Mundy's heroics.

"He's a leader. He goes back. He's a long accurate kick, [and has a] sound technique under pressure. It should stand up."

Nathan Fyfe is elevated into Fremantle's leadership group, taking Matt de Boer's place.

Fyfe will join Matthew Pavlich, David Mundy, Aaron Sandilands, Luke McPharlin and Lee Spurr in leading the club.

"Clearly on the field he's shown he's becoming an elite player of the competition," Dockers skipper Pavlich said of Fyfe.

"The players have certainly seen that. But his level of influence and his ability to give feedback to his teammates are certainly some areas that he's improved in and grown in. I think he's got a fantastic understanding of the modern game and how our game plan exists and how to execute that."

The Dockers fall by just two points to Geelong after David Mundy's kick after the siren at Simonds Stadium registers only a behind.

"I thought it was a challenging kick," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said.

"You don't want to be kicking to win from 46m out when you are fatigued. It's pretty simple: you're trying to get it done before then."

David Mundy turns his back on free agency to sign a new three-year deal with Fremantle.

"It's a major life decision, not just football decision, so I don't apologize for taking my time and taking the time I felt I needed to come to this decision," Mundy said.

"But definitely, the pull to move close to my family was definitely one of the major factors that I was considering.

"I am more than happy to stay here. I love playing my football here and I am obviously very grateful that Fremantle gave me my shot, 10 years ago, so I am just hopeful to repay that faith."

David Mundy credits former coach Mark Harvey as the man who turned him into the damaging midfielder he has become.

"He saw something that not too many other people did and persevered for a little while," Mundy said about harvey.

"Half-back wasn't really working for me at that stage, so I think I needed a change.

"I feel like I am repaying that choice now. I'm playing some pretty good football now and (I'm) pretty consistent."

David Mundy is happy for his football to do the talking as he remains tight-lipped on his contract situation.

The Fremantle midfielder is one of the most talked-about potential free agents this season.

"I'm comfortable with where it's at and I'm happy for my football to do most of the talking at the moment," Mundy said.

"I know my management team are working hard behind the scenes for me. I'm confident in time a resolution will come."

On the verge of a first-ever Grand Final appearance, Fremantle midfielder David Mundy says he is delighted he resisted the temptation to leave the club to return to Victoria three years ago.

"There was a decision to be made and there was a strong pull," Mundy admitted.

"At the end of the day I saw myself as a Fremantle player and I wanted to continue in that vein.

"I'm obviously stoked that I stayed and helped build a strong culture at the football club which I'm very proud of."

Having David Mundy fit for the pre-season has given a spark to a Fremantle team with high hopes for next year.

"Having David out there is a big boost for the group," teammate Ryan Crowley said.

"Just seeing how good his second half of the year was once he got fit, I think a fit David Mundy is a pretty scary proposition … it's good to have him out there."

Fremantle midfielder David Mundy is confident of having a bigger influence on matches as the finals approach.

"I'm obviously not playing as well as I'd like to; I would like to have more impact on games," Mundy said.

"I feel that's probably coming and I'm starting to get back into the flow of it. I've never really missed a big chunk of pre-season before, so it's been a new experience and process for me. I'm working through it and feeling a lot better within games."

Fremantle midfielder David Mundy hopes a gruelling preparation will see him right to return from serious ankle injury.

"Two weeks ago I was begging him (Lyon), I was knocking on his door begging to play," Mundy said.

"Since then I've ticked a lot of boxes and done a lot of running and tried to impress as much as I can. I feel like I'm up and ready to go.

"I did a running session on the weekend that would simulate a game and got through no dramas … it was 16km, so it was a fair crack."

Matthew Pavlich has been retained as skipper of Fremantle with a five-man leadership group to assist him that will include Aaron Sandilands, Luke McPharlin, David Mundy, Matt de Boer and Hayden Ballantyne.

"It's humbling to know my peers and the coaching group hold me in that esteem," Pavlich said.

"I understand the responsibility that goes with the role and, hopefully, I can continue to develop and grow."

Ballantyne says his appointment to the leadership group is an honour.

"We have certain criteria that we hold ourselves to and I've worked as hard as I can to maintain those standards and it's been noticed by the team," Ballantyne said.

Fremantle best and fairest David Mundy is ready for extra attention from taggers during the 2011 season.

"I expect a little bit of attention, but whether I get tagged or somebody else in the midfield gets tagged, it's the same kind of process with trying to help out your teammates and get them free and get them involved in the game," Mundy said.

David Mundy, Michael Johnson and Paul Duffield have joined Fremantle's group of leaders.

"The three players joining the leadership group are mid-tier players who are evolving and will need to put their own stamp on the leadership group," Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said.

"With an increase in responsibility, you like to see enhanced performance from your leaders and the ability to handle pressure when a game is in the balance."