Matthew Pavlich Biography

Matthew Pavlich joins the All-Australian selection panel for 2023.

Matthew Pavlich is inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Matthew Pavlich will be inducted into the WA Football Hall of Fame later this month, becoming the fifth figure in the Dockers' 27-year history to be recognised with the honour.

Reports surface that Adelaide players have questioned the merit of two media figures in Jason Dunstall and Matthew Pavlich forming part of the committee to conduct an external review of the club.

It has prompted players to consider how much information they divulge throughout interviews in the possibility certain details may be aired through non-Crows parties.

If the players choose to answer questions openly, some will allegedly be critical of assistant coach Scott Camporeale and head of football Brett Burton.

As he prepares to represent the Magpies in the 2018 Grand Final, Chris Mayne reflects on being part of Fremantle's losing Grand Final side in 2013, and on his Dockers skipper at the time, Matthew Pavlich.

"He's such a champion of the game with 350 games, 700 goals, best and fairests and All Australians. He would give all that up to win one Grand Final," Mayne said about Pavlich.

"I believe knowing him he 100 per cent would [swap it all for a flag]. That was his biggest thing – enjoy the little rewards you get along the way but it ideally is all about playing in a premiership.

"I know for a fact if I was able to get ultimate success he'd be thrilled for me."

Matthew Pavlich is re-elected as president of the AFL Players' Association.

"It's a crucial time for all AFL players with CBA (collective bargain agreement) negotiations ongoing, and I'm looking forward to working with Patrick, Andrew and the rest of the board to represent the interests of players," Pavlich said.

"Our membership is as united as we've ever been and with the addition of more than 200 female members, the Players' Association has never been stronger."

Matthew Pavlich wins the 2016 Madden Medal, award by the AFLPA to the retiring player who most excelled off the field, as well as in their football career.

Pavlich was the AFLPA president for the past two years, studied a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration and was involved in community work.

"My career on the field was very important but I tried to never be defined by results on the field. I wanted to be known for more than just being a footballer," Pavlich said.

"I like to think that there's some deeper layers to me than just what I did on the field."

The Dockers send Matthew Pavlich off in style with a 20-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

Pavlich kicked his 700th career goal in the first term and finished with 20 disposals, 10 marks and 1.3.

"I think over time the legend will only grow," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said post-match.

"He goes out with petrol in the tank, which is the way it should be. He has carried himself exceptionally well and he has been a wonderful leader."

As he prepares to play in his 353rd and final match, Matthew Pavlich says he gave his all and will be leaving at the right time.

"I can walk away knowing there's not one ounce of energy left towards football that I could give," Pavlich said.

"I am fulfilled – I am content. I walk away knowing I don't have any regrets.

"I've been at this club for 17 years. I joked I walked in as a pimply-faced, chubby, 17-year-old and I walk out a grey-haired, chubby, 34-year-old."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says he is comfortable with his coaching style despite the rumblings around the club.

"I see this as an opportunity. There's always a loud minority, and there's always people prepared to listen to a loud minority," Lyon said.

"But for me, I just want to continue to be the coach that Matthew Pavlich wanted his whole career. I'm pretty comfortable with that.

"That's what he wrote in his book, didn't he? I'm the coach that he always hoped for. I'm pretty comfortable continuing in that vein. It's not a bad spot to be."

Matthew Pavlich reflects on his career ahead of his 350th game.

If he had the chance to go back in time and speak to the young man who joined Fremantle as the fourth pick in the 1999 NAB AFL draft this is what he would have said.

"Don't waste a minute," Pavlich said.

"Embrace how you feel because there'll be times when you want to absolutely give it to yourself on the training track, both in season and off season, and there'll be other times you need to sit back.

"But understand whatever you're feeling, whatever your body is telling you, it's the right thing.

"Understand there's going to be significant challenges. It's not going to be a smooth ride. There's going to be more kicks up the backside than licks of the ice cream, as the saying goes.

"But if you apply yourself day in day out for long enough you'll get the results. Do the hard work first and the results will follow.

"And to enjoy it. Sometimes I've had to remind myself, probably over the last three or four years, that I actually am doing what I love and what I've always wanted to do, and it's a privilege.

"To do it for one season, let alone 17, is something that I should have never taken for granted, and I don't think I have. But I have had to remind myself of that. Enjoy the moment. Enjoy being able to do something that you love because not many people do."

Matthew Pavlich says he will finish his career in round 23 against the Western Bulldogs at Domain Stadium.

"In a lot of ways I'm really content that there's not much left to give," Pavlich said.

"I'm just looking forward to finishing the season off individually in good form and certainly helping my teammates launch towards 2017.

"I have nothing left to give and I can walk away feeling quite fulfilled."

Matthew Pavilch will notch his 350-game milestone in next week's home clash with Sydney, and says he plans to play three more games after that before heading off into retirement.

"I respect my body, so enough is enough," Pavlich said.

"There's significant things there I'm going to have to take care of (in the future). You pay a price, no doubt.

"Hopefully (in future years) I'm able to run around with the three kids - the third child's not too far away.

"And hopefully I'm able to stay fit enough to still look appealing to my wife."

Matthew Pavlich says he offered to retire earlier in the season after Fremantle's horror start, but Dockers coach Ross Lyon and football manager Chris Bond asked him to play out the year as planned.

"We obviously weren't going that well and it's certainly not in my character to step out and check out," Pavlich said.

"But I said to them, 'Is it time for some other younger kids to play and if that's the case let's shake hands and walk away.'

"But amongst us all we committed to a play and we're going to stick to that and that's certainly to see the season out."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says it may be time for Matthew Pavlich to retire.

"I don't think the body's wanting. I think it's probably in as good a shape in my time I've been there, but mentally, it's time for us to move on," Lyon said.

"If we were guaranteed up and going, he could maybe go (on) but he puts that much work to get himself up.

"It's a perfect time for Matthew to move on, for us and him."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says he won't talk Matthew Pavlich out of an early retirement if the 34-year-old decides to pull the pin in the coming weeks.

"If that's how Matthew felt - you don't want to talk people out of retirement," Lyon told Perth radio station 6PR.

"Yeah, I would accept that. But that hasn't occurred, so it's a hypothetical."

Pavlich is just six games short of reaching his 350-game milestone but Lyon said the milestone wouldn't play any role in the decision.

"I think 300 is a magical number. Anything after that is irrelevant," Lyon said.

"The only thing that counts for Pav is a premiership, and clearly that's not going to occur."

Matthew Pavlich is disappointed to be spending this week on the sidelines, but coach Ross Lyon says it is a matter of saving the veteran forward from himself.

"He was a bit disappointed in a sense, but sometimes you've got to save players from themselves," Lyon said.

"We think he's in really good form. He's got some niggles so if we can settle that down.

"It clearly gives someone else an opportunity, so we'll take it on a weekly basis from here."

Matthew Pavlich will not play against Hawthorn this week in Launceston as the Dockers stick with their pre-season plan of resting him for the round eight clash.

"We've already made a decision we won't take him to Tassie this week," Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.

"We'll freshen him up for the home game next week against Richmond. That was part of our pre-season planning, so we'll stick to that and give another player another opportunity."

Matthew Pavlich says he is very comfortable with his decision to play on in 2016 despite the Dockers’ winless start to the season.

"There was always going to be the narrative at some point with my choice to play on," Pavlich said.

"That's what people are paid in the media to do, to make comment on players and decisions they make.

"It was always going to be on the table. I'm very comfortable with the decision.”

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."

Matthew Pavlich stands down as Fremantle captain after nine seasons at the helm.

"I have absolutely loved the honour and privilege of captaining Fremantle for the past nine years. Leading the boys out onto the field was always a highlight of my week," Pavlich said.

"After considering my playing future last year and the ever increasing responsibilities I have as a father, finalising my university studies and my role as president of the AFL Players' Association, it is just the right time for both the club and myself.

"As an AFL player you must commit entirely to the cause and that's magnified even further as a captain. Both mentally and physically it takes it's toll and, given where my body is at, I also need to be focused on getting the best out of myself to ensure that my on field play continues to benefit the team."

Matthew Pavlich will play on for a 17th season in 2016 after signing a one-year deal with Fremantle.

"While I can still play, I will choose to play," Pavlich said.

"It's a decision I took very seriously. Retiring and playing on were toing and froing in my mind.

"It didn't necessarily come to me straight away. I had thorough discussions with (coach) Ross Lyon and (general manager) Chris Bond and they were so supportive and gave me the time and space I needed.

"I needed to ensure the decision being made was the right one and it suited the football club, myself and my family.

"I had some really good conversations with my wife, Lauren and, more recently, with my dad."

Matthew Pavlich says he is still undecided about his future at the Dockers' best and fairest count.

"I need to get away for a bit. It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks," Pavlich said.

"I haven't had time to really understand what's best for the football club and what's best for Lauren (Pavlich's wife) and I and our family."

Matthew Pavlich says he is yet to decide whether he has played his final AFL game after the Dockers' 2015 flag hopes ended in a preliminary final loss to Hawthorn at Domain Stadium.

Pavlich, 33, was in tears in the rooms after the game.

He then walked out onto the ground with his family for group photos just minutes before the lights were turned off at Domain Stadium.

"I don't know what the plan is for next year, so it was just a good opportunity to get out there and soak it up," Pavlich said.

"It's extremely raw right now and really hard to take."

Matthew Pavlich categorically denies suggestions that he has already made plans to retire at the end of the season.

Reports on Sunday claimed the 33-year-old was certain to hang up the boots when the Dockers' season ends.

But Pavlich took to social media to dispel the claims and said he was yet to decide whether he would extend his career into a 17th season.

"(I) haven't read it [the article], but contrary to reports no decision has been made on my playing future. We have more important things to focus on!" Pavlich tweeted.

"Some operate in a 'soupiness of truth' reporting facts that they wish to be true as opposed to facts that are categorically known to be true."

Matthew Pavlich says he still does not know whether the 2015 finals series will be his last.

"I can't answer that, I don't know," Pavlich said.

"Once the season is finished I'll get some time away and have a think about that and obviously have a chat to Ross (Lyon) about what that means for next year."

Pavlich is already working on his autobiography but said that is not an indicator he is going to retire at the end of the season.

"Pardon the pun, no you shouldn't read anything into that," Pavlich said.

"I was having a discussion with the publisher only last week about the timing of it and how people will raise a few eyebrows on the back of that."

Fremantle will honour Matthew Pavlich with a testimonial dinner as part of its efforts to hold one recognition event per year.

"The essence of the evening is to celebrate and recognise the career of Matthew Pavlich, who has been just a terrific servant of both the football club but also the game," Dockers chief executive Steve Rosich said.

"So it'll be a lot of fun and entertainment and recognition for our captain and our most credentialed player in our history to date."

Matthew Pavlich will captain the Dockers for a ninth season but says he was prepared to step down if necessary.

"I was focused on what was best for the football club and I was very open to the idea about the possibility about moving on," Pavlich said.

"But clearly we have a stringent process. It's a pure vote, it's democratic and we needed to go through that process first to really play itself out."

Matthew Pavlich says he understands the reality that he may be nearing the end of his career.

"I know that football mortality is probably not too far away around the corner and every player or athlete is going to face it at some point," Pavlich said.

"You take nothing for granted and every time I come to training and pull on the jumper there is a feeling of privilege and pride in being able to do it every time.

"This has been my dream and passion for so long, and while I can still play I will absolutely play, but understanding that at some stage it's around the corner."

Fremantle will take a cautious approach with Matthew Pavlich this week as the skipper recovers from a bout of concussion suffered during the second term of the Dockers' five-point win over Carlton where he was subbed out of the game.

"It's real important that we look after him," teammate Aaron Sandilands said about Pavlich.

"Concussions are serious things. He will be monitored throughout the week and we'll see how he goes."

Matthew Pavlich commits to a 16th AFL season, signing a one-year contract extension to remain at Fremantle in 2015.

Pavlich says he would consider relinquishing the captaincy at the end of the year if it was in the best interests of the club.

"We have seen a huge amount of growth both within the leadership group and outside of that, so if the group and the club thought it was time and if it felt appropriate as well, absolutely, I'm happy to do that," Pavlich said.

"I'll obviously keep (the captaincy) for this point in time, and we'll discuss that come year's end and into the pre-season. It is a player driven thing. It's voted upon and it may look a whole lot different come November, December when we do it."

Matthew Pavlich celebrates his 300th game with three goals in a 32-point win against Geelong.

"I was very humbled and at times embarrassed by the football club, the fans and the industry in general," Pavlich said.

"We operate in such a fantastic industry because the amount of people that got to me throughout the week from opposing sides, just the industry in general, it was extremely humbling.

"To go out and play the way we did - to be able to get the four points and play in the manner that we did was extremely pleasing."

Matthew Pavlich says he strongly considered returning to Adelaide early on in his AFL career but is glad he decided to stay at the Dockers.

Pavlich will notch his 300-game milestone on Saturday when he lines up against Geelong at Patersons Stadium.

"Certainly there were some offers made. I explored those options," Pavlich said.

"But long story short I've been wearing purple from day dot, and will until I've finished.

"I knew there was some unfinished business at the football club and I wanted to be right at the forefront of that.

"Mum and dad instilled some really strong values in me, and that was, 'If you start something and think it's worthwhile, you may as well stay the course and stick it out'.

"I certainly thought that was the case at Fremantle."

Matthew Pavlich says whether or not he plays on in 2015 will depend on the state of his body rather than the Dockers' prospects of premiership success.

"If the body is holding well and I have all those strong desires to keep playing, then that will be the ultimate test," Pavlich said.

"The success or otherwise is a secondary consideration."

After 14 long seasons and a club-record 291 games, Matthew Pavlich finally plays in a Grand Final in 2013, only to fall short by 15 points to the Hawks.

"It's so hard to describe the feeling. Really numb, annoyed, frustrated – all the emotions that are associated with a loss," Pavlich said after the loss.

"But I guess when it's the ultimate prize at the end, it's heightened even further.

"They haven't been easy to get to. It's taken a long time to get here. It's going to take a huge amount of effort and hard work to get back again."

Matthew Pavlich accepts a three game ban for his front-on bump against West Coast's Mitch Brown.

"Matthew and I always have a chat on a Monday and obviously he's frustrated and disappointed," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said.

"But from my end and Matthew's end, it's a split-second decision you've got to make and it went the wrong way and now he's frustrated for a couple of weeks."

Matthew Pavlich will have achilles tendon surgery and is set to miss four to six weeks.

"It got to the point where he wasn't comfortable with it and neither were we," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said.

"I just said 'look you've done so much for this club over a long period. We really don't want to put you in a position where you're vulnerable and the team is vulnerable'. So post then we went and sat down and spoke about the procedure and what's required and he'll get it done."

Matthew Pavlich returns to the Fremantle side for their NAB Cup match against the Western Bulldogs following the birth of his daughter Harper Rose.

After back, hip and Achilles tendon surgery during the off-season, Matthew Pavlich will delay his return to football in the NAB Cup to welcome the arrival of his first child.

"We're really respectful of people's families and wives and the support that needs to be given there," Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said.

"I think the game's evolved a lot. Fathers didn't used to go to the birth, did they? So how tragic did that used to be. We've all moved a little bit forward from those days fortunately."

Despite three operations, Matthew Pavlich has set his sights on playing in the NAB Cup.

"They've probably got the tight hold of me at this stage, just being extra cautious with the three operations," Pavlich said.

"I'm pleased to be out on the track running with the rehab guys and I'll probably be in that group for another three to four weeks before I really get into some solid football drills and some more match simulation stuff.

"My plan is to definitely play at least one NAB Cup game. That's certainly been the plan all along and the physios and docs believe I'm a little bit ahead of schedule."

Matthew Pavlich faces a delayed start to pre-season training after undergoing a minor hospital procedure on his back.

"At this stage we envisage that it will have little impact on Matthew's pre-season training and expect him to be right to play during the NAB Cup," Fremantle football manager Chris Bond said.

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich and Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell were notables to miss selection for the 2012 All-Australian side.

"Individual awards aren't what I play footy for, it's about the team success," Pavlich said.

"I'm sure externally there might be some comments about it, but I'm just looking forward to having a break and getting ready for next year."

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich says he hasn't been invited to the All Australian ceremony, fueling speculation he has missed out.

Jack Riewoldt secures his second Coleman Medal after kicking six goals against Port Adelaide in Richmond's final game for 2012 to take his season tally to 65, ahead of Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich and Geelong's Tom Hawkins, both on 62.

On fire up forward, Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich says he may spend more time in the midfield during the rest of the season.

"Just because I've played forward for most of this year, it doesn't mean that I won't spend a bit more time in the midfield at times," Pavlich said.

"Depending on where the state of the game is at and what needs to be done at that particular time, I think it's important to be able to chop and change a bit … that balance is really important."

Former Adelaide star Brett Burton replaces Matthew Pavlich on the AFL's Laws of the Game Committee.

Matthew Pavlich becomes the 51st player in VFL/AFL history to boot 500 career goals, reaching the milestone in round 7 of 2012 against Port Adelaide.

"I think the crowd probably knew more about it than anyone else," Pavlich said of reaching his 500-goal achievement.

"It's a good result to get there, but let's move on."

Matthew Pavlich says the club must now move forward with coach new Ross Lyon despite the controversial sacking of former coach Mark Harvey.

"When there's that type of situation occurring, I think internally there needs to be a group of people really showing that 'OK, this is what's happened, let's not talk about the past, let's get into action and let's worry about the future'," Pavlich said.

"It was a shame what happened, and certainly a shock for everyone, but the club saw it as - if you can in this sport - a non-emotive business decision that they wanted to have transacted and they moved upon that."

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 skipper Matthew Pavlich has shaved a massive 20 seconds off his personal best 3km time trial and is in peak condition.

"By some of the time trials and some of the other physiological elements that we measure, I've been able to improve on them individually," he said.

"I think it's important to note that there's been 45 other players that have made really large steps in their game … I'm one of 45 that have really either matched their PBs or improved them."

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich becomes only the 10th player in VFL/AFL history to win a sixth club champion award after narrowly beating young midfielder Nathan Fyfe to take out the Doig Medal for 2011.

"To be elite, to be great in the AFL, we all need to step up, including myself. We all need to become hardened, very good AFL players and staff," Pavlich said.

"I'm getting older, I know that. If the success comes while I'm here, great. If it doesn't, I just hope it comes at some point."

Matthew Pavlich says his midfield work will have to be reviewed during the off-season as he prepares for season-ending surgery on his hip.

"I have spoken to Harves (coach Mark Harvey) and our sports science guys quite a number of times about what the split should be," Pavlich said.

"This year was almost unmanageable given the fact we had so many injuries throughout our midfield, I needed to go in there for the team's sake and was happy to do so. But I guess going forward we're going to have to review that."

Matthew Pavlich is set to break the club's games record when Fremantle meet Adelaide at AAMI Stadium and Fremantle coach Mark Harvey says it's a record that is unlikely to be broken as the demands on players today grow ever more taxing.

"The relevance of it and the importance of it is the fact that this might be the last time a player breaks a record like this, the way the game's going," Harvey said.

"I'm not sure whether we're going to see too many more 300-game players (across the AFL), let's say, if he gets to that particular stage. I'm looking a little bit down the track.

"I just think that the game's demanding more than ever now. It's taxing."

Captain Matthew Pavlich will remain with Fremantle at least until the end of 2014 and, most likely, the end of his career after signing a new four-year deal with the club.

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich says he is not currently focussing on a new deal with the Dockers sitting second on the ladder after 10 rounds.

"We haven't really changed at all from our perspective. We're happy with how its progressing, and so is the club, we'll get to a point some time later in the year," he said regarding the status of his contract negotiations with the club.

"Things are going along nicely at the moment, and we only have to focus on what's important and narrow that focus on each week."

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich reaffirms his commitment to the Dockers despite being likely to be offered several lucrative deals when he comes out of contract next year.

"I'm contracted for another 15 months and I'm very confident that I will continue my career at Fremantle after that," Pavlich said.

"I get so focused in the process of week to week and seeing our younger players developing further and, for me, it's very much about that core focus of that particular time.

"So it's hard for me to think big picture and commit to long-term outcome-based thinking. That's just how I operate."

Collingwood premiership captain Tony Shaw says Fremantle star Matthew Pavlich does not get the recognition he deserves.

"It's probably the tyranny of distance, but he just doesn't get the same recognition in Melbourne as some of the big stars - and he should do," Shaw said.

"I think he's an absolute superstar and one of the best players in the game. But I never seem to see him acknowledged that way."

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey says captain Matthew Pavlich and ruckman Aaron Sandilands will be selected if they're cleared by the medical and fitness staff from calf and hamstring injuries respectively.

"No question they want to be playing this week. We will have to overrule to the expertise of our fitness and medical staff," Harvey said.

"It's whether they get through the training session really.

"We'd like them to be playing. We need them to play, particularly with the younger group, so if we can get them out there we will."

Matthew Pavlich is expected to miss the next 2-3 weeks of action after scans confirmed he had strained a calf muscle.

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich is out of the clash with Collingwood after sustaining a calf injury early in the second term.

Fremantle has moved to block opposition clubs swooping on superstar pair Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands next year particularly with Gold Coast set to make a play for uncontracted players.

"We will have strategies in place where people aren't vulnerable and we're not going to be caught out where we'll be attacked by those clubs for our players," general manager Chris Bond said.

"Key players who fit into that model won't be allowed to do that, but we won't be held to ransom on the other side of things as well."

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey says Matthew Pavlich will continue to play an important role in the midfield as a mentor to his younger teammates.

"It's really important with these younger players that we're putting through the midfield, for Mathew to be there and guide them and make them understand about where the momentum of the game starts," Harvey said.

"When you play as a key forward and you're a dominant forward, what happens is the game is in front of you, you don't get it your way a lot of the time, because sides are so good at pushing back as soon as they lose control of the ball."

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich states his desire to stay with the Dockers.

"I'd find it very surprising that our supporters haven't seen me be absolutely committed for nine-and-a-half years and be absolutely committed for the next 18 months," Pavlich said.

"I find it baffling that anyone would ever question that. For it to even be asked or questioned is really surprising."

"I want to be playing here and playing in sustained success, that's what I want to be doing."

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey says it is bewildering why people would suggest trading Matthew Pavlich.

The Dockers have so far struggled with a winless start to 2009.

"It's really too easy for guys in really high profile positions in the media to dissect a club and pull the club apart," Harvey said.

"From afar it can always be easy to have a look at Fremantle and quickly pull the trigger on everything about the club."

Freamntle captain Matthew Pavlich refuses to rule out leaving the club at the end of his current contract with his Dockers still having failed to register a win in 2009 after 4 rounds.

"I have not ruled out anything, I am in contract for a couple of years and I am getting on in age as well - we will wait and see what happens," Pavlich said.

"It is an unbelievably hard question to answer right at this moment. I am in contract for another 18 months."

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich has dismissed a suggestion that the Dockers are a "laughing stock" saying that the Dockers are going through a period of rebuilding.

"When you lose about 1500 games of experience like we did last year and we draft in 14 new players," Pavlich said.

"Right now, we're going through a phase, it's going to take a bit of time."