Imagine a team so united that they’re willing to give up their own comforts to stand by a teammate. That’s exactly what the Fremantle Dockers are doing this Ramadan, and it’s a story of solidarity that’s as inspiring as it is rare. But here’s where it gets even more compelling: it’s not just about fasting—it’s about a group of athletes stepping out of their routines to truly understand and support one of their own, 18-year-old draftee Adam Sweid, as he observes this sacred month of his Muslim faith.
Adam Sweid’s journey to the Dockers began last year when Essendon declined to match the No. 25 bid for him in the draft. Hailing from the Calder Cannons, Sweid made the move west, but not without the Dockers doing their homework. The club carefully considered how Sweid would manage Ramadan away from his family, especially given Western Australia’s scorching heat and the demanding pre-season training schedule. And this is the part most people miss: Fremantle didn’t just stop at research—they’ve gone above and beyond to ensure Sweid feels supported every step of the way.
Ramadan, a 30-day period of fasting and spiritual reflection, began on February 18 this year and continues until March 20. For Muslims like Sweid, this means abstaining from food, water, and other pleasures from dawn to sunset, while also engaging in prayers and introspection. But here’s the controversial part: while some might question whether fasting aligns with the physical demands of professional sport, Sweid’s teammates and coaches have not only respected his commitment but have actively joined him in their own acts of sacrifice.
Sweid’s forwards development coach, Chris Mayne, has occasionally fasted alongside him and has educated the team about the unique challenges Sweid faces during this period. Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce took this a step further by setting up a whiteboard outside the team room at their Cockburn headquarters. On it, every player has pledged to give up something they enjoy during Ramadan—whether it’s their mobile phones, social media, gaming, alcohol, or even periods of fasting. Even coaches and support staff have joined in, creating a collective effort to stand by Sweid.
While some players have opted for morning fasts, the Dockers have carefully managed this to avoid conflicting with main training sessions. After all, fueling and nutrition remain critical components of their high-performance program, especially as they approach the start of the season. Sweid’s training loads have also been adjusted to ensure he stays healthy under Perth’s intense heat, part of the club’s broader policy to support interstate recruits and improve retention. Additionally, the Dockers have worked closely with Sweid’s host family to provide a supportive environment.
Sweid’s path hasn’t been without challenges. A knee reconstruction sidelined him for the 2024 season, but his standout performances with the Cannons and Vic Metro caught the eye of recruiters. During his recovery, Sweid leaned on his faith, sharing with AFL.com.au, ‘I think it [the injury] made me better. As a Muslim, you go back to your faith, you go back to God, and he always says stay humble. We all have a story, and everyone’s story is written, everyone’s story is different.’
Sweid’s story is also part of a larger narrative in the AFL. Last year, Essendon’s Saad El-Hawli became just the sixth Muslim to play in the league, and he’s been a mentor to Sweid throughout his junior career. But here’s a thought-provoking question: as the AFL becomes more diverse, how can clubs better support players from different cultural and religious backgrounds? And what does this say about the role of teamwork and empathy in professional sports?
The Dockers’ actions this Ramadan aren’t just about fasting—they’re about fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding. It’s a powerful reminder that, at the end of the day, sports are as much about the people as they are about the game. So, what do you think? Is this the kind of teamwork we should see more of, or is it too much to ask of players and staff? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
