LEE SPURR'S importance to Fremantle has been underlined, with the former rookie named in the club's leadership group.

Spurr, who has played 36 games since being picked in the 2011 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, will join captain Matthew Pavlich, Matt de Boer, Luke McPharlin, David Mundy and Aaron Sandilands as official Fremantle leaders.

The small defender finished fifth in the Dockers' best and fairest award and was named its best clubman in 2013, with coach Ross Lyon saying the elevation is well deserved.

"Lee's actions, both on and off the field, have resulted in him being selected," Lyon told fremantlefc.com.au.





"His peers clearly rate him highly and I'm sure he'll represent them well."

Pavlich will captain Fremantle for an eighth season, with the club expected to again challenge for success after losing to Hawthorn in last year's Grand Final.

"I've been privileged and honoured to be captain for quite some time now and I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to lead the team out there again," Pavlich said.





"The vote of confidence from the broader playing group on my leadership was something that has spurred me on to go again and be fully committed to it."





Hayden Ballantyne and Chris Mayne, members of 2013 leadership group, were omitted from this year's group.