RECENTLY retired Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich will swap his purple playing kit for a commentary suit in 2017.

The 353-game legend, who was highly sought after by media organisations, will join Fox Footy’s commentary team for this season and beyond.

The superstar forward will provide valuable insight as one of the game’s best in recent years and a stalwart of football in Western Australia.

“I felt a lot of fulfilment after 17 years of playing AFL and now I’m ready to pursue the next chapter of my career. I’m really excited to be part of Fox Footy and their coverage this season,” Pavlich said.

Round 18

“I’m ready to get stuck into my commentary role and work alongside some of the most experienced commentators and former players in the industry, whilst covering the game I love.”

Pavlich is chaired off following his final AFL match. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Fox Footy General Manager Michael Neill, said Pavlich would offer a new level of insight into both Perth-based teams, as well as providing fans with a fresh perspective on the game having just stepped off the field.

“Matthew Pavlich is one of our game’s greatest competitors, a loyal and stoic modern-day champion who AFL fans loved to watch,” Neill said.

“His passion and leadership shone through on the footy field and we know he’ll bring those same qualities to his commentary.

“Pav will bring our West Australian fans even greater insight and analysis into their clubs, whilst offering a wealth of wisdom and understanding of what the modern AFL player goes through.”

Matthew Pavlich. Source: FOX SPORTS

Pavlich, a six-time All-Australian, captained the Dockers from 2007-2015, and was the club’s leading goal kicker on an incredible eight occasions, amassing 700 career goals and was the first WA-based player to reach 350 games.

Pavlich will bolster Fox Footy’s unrivalled team of expert commentators and analysts which includes Eddie McGuire, Sandy Roberts, Jonathan Brown, Dermott Brereton, Jason Dunstall, Mark Ricciuto, David King, Brad Johnson, Gerard Whateley, Gerard Healy, Ben Dixon, Cameron Mooney, Danny Frawley, Anthony Hudson, David Parkin, Mark Maclure, Tony Shaw, Dwayne Russell, Mark Robinson, Jon Ralph and Alastair Lynch.

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