Here’s a story that’s as inspiring as it is thought-provoking: a group of professional athletes is stepping up in a unique way to support their teammate during one of the most sacred times in his faith. But here’s where it gets even more compelling—they’re not just offering words of encouragement; they’re actively participating in his sacrifice. Fremantle Dockers players have pledged to give up something meaningful during Ramadan, standing in solidarity with their first-year teammate, Adam Sweid, a devout Muslim observing this holy month of fasting.
Sweid’s journey to the Dockers is a tale of perseverance and faith. Drafted last year after Essendon declined to match the No. 25 bid on their Next Generation Academy prospect, the Calder Cannons standout made the move west. But it wasn’t without careful consideration. Fremantle thoroughly researched how Sweid would manage Ramadan away from his family, especially given Western Australia’s scorching heat and the demanding training regimen. And this is the part most people miss—the club didn’t just stop at research; they’ve gone above and beyond to ensure he feels supported.
Ramadan, a 30-day period that began on February 18 this year and ends on March 20, requires Muslims to abstain from food, water, and other pleasures from dawn to sunset, while also focusing on spiritual growth through prayer and reflection. For Sweid, just 18 and in the intense pre-season phase with the Dockers, this is no small feat. His forwards development coach, Chris Mayne, has even joined him in fasting at times, helping educate the team about the challenges Sweid faces as they prepare for the season.
But here’s the controversial part: Should teammates go to such lengths to support a colleague’s religious practices? Some might argue it’s unnecessary, while others see it as a powerful act of unity. Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce and Mayne didn’t hesitate, setting up a whiteboard outside their team room where every player pledged to sacrifice something—be it mobile phones, social media, gaming, alcohol, or even periods of fasting. Even coaches and support staff joined in, creating a collective effort to stand with Sweid.
While some players opted for morning fasts, the Dockers ensured these didn’t coincide with main training sessions, prioritizing nutrition and performance as they approach the start of the season. Sweid’s training load has also been carefully managed under Perth’s intense heat, part of the club’s broader policy to support interstate recruits and improve retention. They’ve even worked closely with his host family during this period.
Sweid’s story is also one of resilience. After a knee reconstruction ruled him out of the 2024 season, he leaned on his faith to navigate a long recovery. ‘I think it [the injury] made me better,’ Sweid told AFL.com.au. ‘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.’
With Essendon’s Saad El-Hawli, the sixth Muslim to play in the AFL, serving as a mentor during Sweid’s junior career, the young Docker is part of a growing representation of Muslim athletes in the league. But the bigger question remains: Is this level of solidarity a step toward greater inclusivity, or does it risk blurring the lines between personal and team responsibilities? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
