Fremantle great Peter Bell has quit his position at the Dockers just a year after losing his title as the club’s football boss.
Bell was appointed general manager of football in 2018, giving him one of the most powerful positions at the AFL club.
But in a shock move as part of a restructuring last year, Bell was shifted into the role of executive general manager of football talent, strategy and special projects.
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Many people viewed the move as a demotion, with Joe Brierty instead handed the reins as football boss.
Bell said his decision to leave wasn’t made lightly, but felt it was the right one for himself and the club.
“This has been a difficult decision, but one I feel is the right decision,” Bell said in a statement.
“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.”
Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick said Bell’s significant contribution over many years meant he left a lasting legacy at Fremantle.
“Peter has played a vital role in helping to get our AFL and AFLW programs to the positions they are currently in,” 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.”
On an interim basis, list managers Walls (AFL) and Fry (AFLW) will report directly to Brierty, while the special projects and strategy responsibilities that Bell had will be divided among the club’s executive team.
Bell started his decorated 286-game playing career at the Dockers before winning two flags with North Melbourne.
He returned to Freo at the end of 2000 and won the club’s best-and-fairest award in 2001, 2003 and 2004.