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Move over Wharfie Time. Because if Fremantle are to break their flag drought this year, there’s a fair chance it will be thanks to “Moose”.
It would be easy to describe Alex Pearce as Fremantle’s captain courageous and leave it at that.
Pearce’s acts of bravery and desperation inspire teammates and have won the admiration of fans far and wide.
Think back to his last-gasp diving smother in round four that ensured Fremantle held on for a clutch two-point win over the Crows in Adelaide.
Or the numerous times Pearce has left his man to crash into a marking contest, often leaving himself battered and bruised.
Now when he barges out of defence, delirious Fremantle fans unleash a chant of “Moooose” in unison.
It’s a nickname Pearce received from his father growing up, and one that he’s well and truly grown into, given the 31-year-old’s big mane of hair and burly stature.
But behind the powerful frame is a man who inspires with his mind as much as his body, and what makes his leadership so special are the many layers behind it, with vulnerability being a big part.
Last year, Pearce opened up about the crippling anxiety he feels going into every match.
Such is the pressure Pearce feels about living up to his own high standards, he often thinks about pressing an imaginary button that could immediately get him out of playing a match.
That button is never pressed, but Pearce’s openness about his anxiety has helped other players cope with their own challenges.
No matter who you talk to at Fremantle, there is a universal love for Pearce.
“He’s been unreal ever since I’ve come to Freo,” Dockers ruckman Luke Jackson says.
“He’s been such a great leader, such an inspirational leader, and I couldn’t speak more highly of Moose.
“Obviously the stuff he does off field (has been important), speaking up.
“But his acts on the field and how inspirational he is and how he lifts the team – I think he’s a great captain, one of the best in the business.”
It’s taken many years and plenty of tears for Pearce to get to where he is.
A series of leg fractures threatened Pearce’s career in his early days.
Devastating injury setbacks have followed throughout most of his 12-year, 159-game AFL journey, but Pearce’s determination has shone through every time.
That determination is reflected in the way the backman plays the game – uncompromising.
It’s why Pearce’s leadership is so effective – players simply want to follow his lead.
“Anyone can say anything, but you guys all see what he does out on the field,” retiring forward Sam Switkowski says of the fourth-year captain.
“He puts his body on the line. He steps up in big moments.
“He’s just grown as a person and as a captain … I love playing with him.
“I’ve got so much respect for him, and I’m really happy to see him healthy out in the field, playing some good footy.”
Fremantle forward Josh Treacy knows a thing or two about leading through actions.
But Treacy was quick to point out the impressive work Pearce does behind the scenes in creating an environment for team success.
“The way that he captures the group when he speaks and allows guys to have their moments is so important,” Treacy explains.
“And there’s no hierarchy within the four walls. If you feel like you’ve got something to say or you need to pull someone up, you’re more than comfortable to do that.
“That’s the environment that he’s created.”
“Wharfie Time” has been going for several years. It hit national headlines in round nine when the spine-tingling crowd activation helped inspire the Dockers to a come-from-behind victory over Hawthorn.
But it’s been played just once so far this season, given it’s only used if scores are close and there’s less than a few minutes remaining.
In contrast, Pearce routinely produces inspirational moments and the accompanying chants of “Moose” provide extra buzz.
“We love hearing that,” Jackson says.
“It’s good how the fans have started to catch on like that. We love when Moose is breaking lines and really using his physicality.”
After producing a club-record 14-game winning streak en route to the minor premiership, Fremantle’s path to the grand final was meant to be cruisy.
Hawthorn had other ideas, with Fremantle’s shock 32-point loss in last week’s qualifying final now putting Justin Longmuir’s men at real risk of a straight-sets finals exit.
But as the pressure ramps up, Pearce has been a rock within the four walls, with his calm demeanour instilling belief ahead of Friday night’s semi-final against Geelong at a sold-out Optus Stadium.
Pearce got the squad together after Tuesday’s main training to ensure they were calm and ready.
Dockers midfielder Andrew Brayshaw says it helped focus the group.
A win against Geelong would set up a preliminary final date with a severely weakened Sydney outfit at the SCG.
Fremantle still hold their fate in their own hands. The Flagmantle dream is still alive.
And if Pearce is the one holding up the premiership cup on the last Saturday of September, it won’t just be Dockers fans tipping their hat to the brave Tasmanian.
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