WAFL LEADERS ANNOUNCED

As we get ready to kick off our WAFL season, we are excited to make some announcements regarding our Leadership Group.

Captain: Chad Pearson

Vice-Captain: Ethan Hughes

Leaders: Hamish Free & Matt Parker

Emerging Leaders: Isiah Winder, Roan O’Hehir and Lewis Rayson

Premiership Captain Chad Pearson will again lead the Bulldogs in season 2026. This will be Pearson’s third season at the helm after taking over the role from Dylan Main in 2023.

Ethan Hughes has marked his second season at the Bulldogs by being elevated to Vice-Captain, after being named in last year’s leadership group in his debut season at the club. Hamish Free has again been named in the leadership group, along with Matt Parker, who earns selection for the first time.

Season 2026 will also see three emerging leaders named, with Isaiah Winder, Roan O’Hehir and former South Australian State 18s Captain Lewis Rayson included. All leaders have set the example and led from the front throughout pre-season, earning selection by being voted in by their teammates.

South Fremantle Football Club Head of Football Charlie Burke said: “We are fortunate as a club to have the leadership impact of Chad and Ethan, along with our broader leadership group. Their presence within the playing group speaks for itself, not just in performance, but in the way they care for and support their teammates.

“They are all fierce competitors who lead by example both on and off the field.”

Glenn Stewart will again support and guide the leaders as he continues in his role as Leadership Consultant.