Dockers appoints new board members

The Fremantle Dockers have appointed Graham Kerr and Nicholas Ellery to its board. 

Both men will join existing members Andrea Hall, Sasha Pendal, Tony Grist, Craig Carter, Colleen Hayward, former player James Clement and club president Chris Sutherland.

Mr Kerr, who is chief executive officer and managing director of South32, brings substantial finanical management expertise with him to the role.

Since 2014, he has helped the company become the second biggest locally headquartered mining and metals company in Western Australia. 

Already in 2024, South32 has received $2.53 billion from the sale of its New South Wales-based Illawarra metallurgical coal asset, along with confirming plans to proceed with a zinc mine in the US, valued at $US3.3 billion.

Production at the site is expected to begin by 2027.

Mr Ellery is an experienced barrister specialising in multiple sectors, including industrial relations and workplace health.

Mr Sutherland believes the club will benefit greatly from the appointments, filling the departures of Mr Carter and Dale Alcock. 

“The addition of Graham and Nick are important strategic appointments to ensure our board has the requisite skills necessary to lead the club into the future,” he said.

It is expected that Mr Kerr will assume the responsibility of finance and infrastructure committee chair at the end of year, upon the conclusion of Mr Carter’s board term in November.

The Dockers posted a $1.64 million profit during the 2023 season, down from $2.43 million in 2022 – with this result impacted by the club’s annual royalty payment to the West Australian Football Commission.