Pearce ready to carve place in AFL history with Freo

Alex Pearce, a Tasmanian footballer born and raised on the north-west coast, stands on the brink of creating history by potentially becoming the first ever AFL premiership captain for the Fremantle Football Club. Born to Scott and Karen Pearce, Pearce was delivered by his mother, Ruth Forrest, who has watched him grow into a genuine and inspirational leader.

Raised in a family deeply rooted in sport, Pearce's cricket-playing father and star equestrian mother have shaped his athletic spirit. The family's connections to the Ulverstone cricket community, including his grandfather Wayne Pearce, have reinforced Pearce's passion for the game. After being drafted by the Dockers in 2013, Pearce flourished and developed traits such as loyalty, justice, and resilience.

His journey to potential premiership captaincy includes overcoming personal challenges, such as leg fractures that kept him off the field for nearly two years. Additionally, Pearce has embraced his Indigenous Palawa heritage, growing his hair long and piercing his nose during the COVID-19 pandemic. This personal transformation has been embraced by his family and community, with local business owners and residents showing their support.

If Fremantle defeats the Brisbane Lions, Pearce will not only become the first Tasmanian premiership captain but also the first Indigenous-identifying captain in AFL history.