The Fremantle Football Club today confirmed the appointment of Simon Garlick as its new CEO.

A former CEO of the Western Bulldogs (2010-2015), Garlick is currently CEO of Bastion EBA, a division of Bastion Collective, Australia’s leading independent marketing, communications and commercial agency.

Garlick also has extensive experience as a director, with governance responsibility on the AFL Players’ Association board and more recently as a Western Bulldogs board member.

Garlick, who played a combined 181 games for Sydney and the Western Bulldogs (1994-2004), said he had a great appreciation for the history of football in Fremantle and was honoured to take on the role.

“This club has so much potential,” Garlick said.

“While the Fremantle Football Club has a relatively short history in the AFL, the region is one of the richest football areas in Australia and the club’s supporter base is as significant as it is passionate.

“The foundations have been laid by some great football people, and not just with regard to the history of the club. Fremantle play in a world class venue at Optus Stadium and the facilities at Cockburn are outstanding.

Garlick said he would draw on his experience both as a CEO, former player and Board Member, and place a priority on facilitating a values driven, high performance culture.

“I have been fortunate to have had a life in football along with some incredible broader experience. The opportunity in front of the Fremantle Football Club is significant and real and I am honoured and privileged to have been appointed to work with the management team, football department, players and staff in realising that opportunity,” Garlick said.

“The most important asset a football club has is its people and I can’t wait to get to know and work with the entire Fremantle Dockers team.

“My background and experience has helped me see and understand the importance of continuing to build a team ethos and culture, which will help deliver sustained success.”

Fremantle president Dale Alcock said Garlick was a highly credentialled administrator with great AFL knowledge and strong business acumen.

“Simon is a talented administrator with great values who will bring to the club a formidable combination of strong business acumen and extensive knowledge of the AFL industry,” Alcock said.

“Workplace culture and values are also very important to him and he will be a significant driver of that at Fremantle.

“On behalf of the board, staff, players, members and supporters, we welcome Simon, Lucinda and their children Bridie, Thomas and Sonny to Fremantle and look forward to a great future together.”