FREMANTLE has added Edith Cowan University professor Colleen Hayward AM to its board. 

A Dockers member since 2004, professor Hayward is a senior Noongar woman, and for the past eight years has been the head of the university's Centre for Indigenous Education and Research, concurrently holding the position of pro-vice-chancellor. 

For more than 30 years, professor Hayward has provided significant input to policies and programs on a wide range of issues, reflecting the needs of minority groups at community, state and national levels. 

She has a wealth of previous board experience and an extensive background in a range of areas including health, education, leadership and governance. 

"My father, grandfather and countless other relatives played for South Fremantle in the WAFL so there has only ever been one choice for me in terms of the AFL – it had to be Fremantle," professor Hayward said. 

"I am a Noongar, so seeing Aboriginal involvement at all levels of the game from supporters to players to Dr Richard Walley OAM as our number one ticket holder is particularly inspiring."

Professor Hayward will become Fremantle’s third current female board member alongside Andrea Hall and Sue Murphy.