FD02e Year Book 2002-REV - Fremantle Football Club

the awardsPAVLICH STORMS HOMEIt was a wild night in the giant marquee on Fremantle Oval, but even the gale force winds that struck the port couldn’tdampen the enthusiasm of nearly 1,000 Freo supporters who braved the elements to acclaim our new Club Champion.The awards – the first telecast by media partner Channel 9 – confirmed the dynamic mix emerging in Fremantle football,with players from the class of ’95 joining 2002 recruits among the winners.The new Club champion voting system gave each player a vote from zero to seven for each game, rewarding consistencythrough the season and ensuring a close, exciting finish.Before the announcement of the winners, the Club paid tribute to retiring club champions Dale Kickett and Jason Norrish.Earlier in the evening, the 2002 Anchor for contribution to the Club was presented to Fremantle’s Deckchair Theatre.THE CHAMPION: MATTHEW PAVLICH2002 was a stellar season for Fremantle’semerging superstar. His class was evident in anumber of dominating performances in defencewhile his potential was revealed in crucialmidfield roles during the season.Matthew revelled in the leadershipresponsibilities of the vice-captaincy, andshowed great maturity off field dealing withthe pressures of speculation about his future.Supporters were buoyed when Matthew decidedto re-sign with the cub for three years andfollowed up with an outstanding performanceagainst James Hird and Essendon at ColonialStadium. It was one of 14 games during theyear that earned him five or six votes fromthe match committee.Matthew’s 2002 performances were rewardedwith selection in the All-Australian team,the first player for Fremantle to achieve thathonour. He was the game-breaker and best onground in his one International Rules test forAustralia after the season.“Matthew is a super-intelligent player withexcellent disposal who is going to be enormousfor this club as he develops into a classmidfielder.” Chris Connolly10 Fremantle Football Club 2002 Year Book