Peter Bell steps down after seven years in key off-field role at Fremantle

Fremantle great Peter Bell will depart the Dockers after seven seasons in a key off-field role — and says it was a difficult call to depart the club where he is revered.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 07: Peter Bell, Football Manager of the Dockers speaks with media during the Telstra AFL Trade Period at Marvel Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Peter Bell says he is confident he has made “the right decision” after stepping down from his off-field role at Fremantle after seven years.

The Dockers great has been with the club where he played 161 games in an administration role since 2018.

Bell said moving on had been a difficult call.

“This has been a difficult decision, but one I feel is the right decision,” Bell said.

“I am extremely proud of my contribution to the club over the years as a player, board member and on the executive team, but I’m keen to explore my next challenge and allow our list managers in David Walls and Darryn Fry to lead the club at the upcoming AFL and AFLW drafts.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 07: Peter Bell, Football Manager of the Dockers speaks with media during the Telstra AFL Trade Period at Marvel Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Walls and Fry will share most aspects of Bell’s job on an interim basis.

Bell has been at the helm during a period of significant rejuvenation at Fremantle.

The Dockers were in their second AFLW campaign when Bell was appointed, while he has overseen three AFLW coaches and the transition from Ross Lyon to Justin Longmuir as the club’s men’s coach.

“Peter has played a vital role in helping to get our AFL and AFLW programs to the positions they are currently in,” Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick said.

“In his time as EGM of Football, he oversaw significant list transformations as well as senior coach transitions for both AFL and AFLW. He also led with aplomb during the Covid impacted seasons and has helped put our Club into the position it is today.

“We are extremely grateful for Peter’s contribution and wish him, Lana and his family all the best for the future.”

Bell was Dockers captain for five seasons and is a three-time winner of Fremantle’s Doig Medal.

Originally published as Peter Bell steps down after seven years in key off-field role at Fremantle