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Hart to step down

By Mr Dandalooa

Fremantle Football Club president Rick Hart will stand down from the job at the end of the AFL season.

Hart told a press conference this morning that his decision was made possible because a “very suitable candidate” has emerged from the club’s current board, referring to Steve Harris, managing director of advertising company the Brand Agency.

“I am delighted to advise that current board member Steve Harris has been endorsed by the board of the Fremantle Football Club and the Western Australian Football Commission as the new president of the club effective from December 1,” he said.

“Steve Harris will be taking over as president at time when we are all very positive about the future of the club, both on and off the field.”

Hart has been at the Docker’s helm since 2002 and played a significant part in luring Mark Harvey to the club as Chris Connolly’s assistant following the 2005 season.

He said he remain as president until Harris takes over later in the year, enabling a three-month handover period to Harris.

During Hart’s term as president, the Dockers achieved record membership numbers in six consecutive years to June 2008 and returned a profit in seven consecutive years.

Harris, 43, was first appointed to the club’s board last year.

He said it was a privilege and that he was honoured by his appointment, adding that has never been a better time to be involved with the club.