Fremantle have confirmed Matthew Pavlich will remain skipper for the upcoming AFL season, while goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne has been added to the leadership group.

Pavlich became the club’s longest serving captain last year and will lead Fremantle for a sixth season in 2012.

Ruckman Aaron Sandilands, Pavlich, Luke McPharlin, David Mundy and Matt de Boer kept their places in the leadership group, and will be joined by Ballantyne.

The leadership group was voted on by the players and ratified by the club’s match committee.

“They are the best modellers and defenders of our values and underpinning behaviours,” coach Ross Lyon said.

“Leadership occurs on a daily basis. I just want them to act daily and be leaders on and off the field.”

Pavlich said he was honoured to remain as captain.

“It’s humbling to know my peers and the coaching group hold me in that esteem,” Pavlich said.