FREMANTLE is facing one of the most intriguing AFL captaincy decisions in recent memory as the club prepares to decide whether to stick with incumbent David Mundy, or usher in a new era by installing superstar Nat Fyfe as skipper.

Looming large over the upcoming player vote is Fyfe’s contract status.

Out of contract and due to become a free agent at the end of the season, the 25-year-old midfielder has so far put off negotiations over an extension that could be the biggest player contract in the club’s history.

Having strongly signalled his desire to remain as skipper, it appears unlikely that Mundy will stand down to allow his younger teammate a smoother ascension to the top job.

It looks like a two-horse a race and, ironically, neither of the shaggy-haired on-ballers was considered future captaincy material by the club in the early stages of their careers.

Mundy, now a 31-year-old veteran of 251 games for the Dockers, was not thought of as a potential skipper for much of his career, probably not even by himself.

However, his leadership developed to the point that he emerged as a surprise successor to Matthew Pavlich last summer, after the club’s now-retired games record holder opted to stand down for the final season of his career.

Fyfe was thought to have little interest in a formal leadership role early in his time at the Dockers. Despite winning his first Doig Medal in 2013, he was left out of the leadership group until 2015.

But he has long been identified by coach Ross Lyon as a future club captain.

Mundy last year praised Fyfe’s “really great growth” in recent years as a leader behind closed doors.

Despite Fyfe being believed to have had the support of Lyon, Mundy emerged victorious from last summer’s player vote.

One year on as the players and coaches prepare to vote again, the landscape could hardly be more different at Fremantle after a shock slump to 16th and a string of axings in a youth-driven rebuild.

Camera Icon Credit: PerthNow

After a difficult off-season punctuated by Shane Yarran, Michael Johnson and Harley Bennell having run-ins with the law, the club’s “culture” has become a talking point.

However, it doesn’t seem fair to lay the blame for any perceived decline at the feet of Mundy, particularly given the high-risk, high-reward recruiting strategy of recent times under which the Dockers have opted for talent over character.

If Fyfe emerges this month as the new captain and can stay fit this season, it’s difficult to imagine a leader who could inspire more with on-field deeds.

And if Mundy, for so long a quiet achiever, loses the title after one season, it won’t be seen as a slap in the face.

Popular with players and fans, the Victorian would be remembered for his loyalty to the club and his consistent output rather than one ill-fated season as captain that produced just four wins.

The Dockers will face another difficult issue when they deal with defender Michael Johnson’s place in the leadership group. Johnson was voted back into the six-man team last summer after a six-year absence. But the 32-year-old has an assault charge hanging over his head.

Forward Michael Walters has strong claims to be included in the leadership group for the first time.

NAT FYFE v DAVID MUNDY

VOTE 1 FYFE

-When fully fit, the Brownlow medallist is clearly the club’s best player and can lead by example on the field.

-Installing a new, younger captain would help draw a line under the club’s disastrous 2016 season and strongly symbolise a new era.

-Appointing Fyfe, who is due to become a free agent at the end of the season, as skipper could help keep him at Fremantle long term.

VOTE 1 MUNDY

- The veteran onballer is popular with his teammates and is keen to retain the job.

- After list upheaval and the retirement of legend Matthew Pavlich, sticking with Mundy would provide some continuity amid all the change.

- It would be unfair to remove a captain after just one season, especially when 2016 was ruined by injury and became a rebuilding year.