Fremantle have named Alex Pearce as their new captain, with the Dockers defender stepping into the role made vacant by Nat Fyfe ahead of the 2023 season.

Pearce, who becomes Fremantle's 10th captain, will lead Fremantle's leadership group for the year ahead, accompanied by midfield pair Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong as vice-captains.

Pearce, who recently recommitted to the Dockers until the end of 2025, stepped into the captaincy role last year in the absence of Fyfe, who was sidelined through injury to play just seven matches.

Following a vote by players and coaches, Pearce was awarded the captaincy, while Hayden Young, Sam Switkowski and Jaeger O'Meara will also join the club's leadership group.

โ€œI'm incredibly humbled and proud to be captain,โ€ Pearce said.

โ€œIt's special to know that everyone who is alongside me and is a part of this Club values me as a leader.

โ€œNathan, I have obviously worked closely with him. I lived with him and had a great connection with him.

โ€œEven though he is not in the leadership group this year he is going to be my biggest resource and help moving forward."

Pearce becomes the eighth Indigenous player to be named captain of a V/AFL club and Fremantle's first.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 22: Alex Pearce of the Dockers and Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies sets to lead their teams onto the field together during the 2022 AFL Round 10 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on May 22, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Pearce joined the Dockers through the 2013 National Draft and has played 80 games for the club since making his debut in 2015.

Fremantle will begin their 2023 campaign against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, March 19.

The Dockers will also face Port Adelaide and Adelaide in the coming weeks as part of their pre-season schedule.