COLIN Sylvia is now a Fremantle player after the Dockers lodged paperwork with the AFL on Friday, making the former Demon one of the first 2013 free agents to officially switch clubs.
Sylvia is an unrestricted free agent so Melbourne does not have the right to keep him by matching Fremantle's offer, which was submitted on the opening day of the Gillette Trade and Free Agency Period.
As revealed by AFL.com.au on this week, Fremantle was the most likely destination for the midfielder if he chose to leave the Demons.
Sylvia, who has agreed to a three-year deal, has said he considers Fremantle a good fit "based on where I'm at with my football career".
Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said the acquisition of the 27-year-old was a positive one for the club.
Sylvia told the Demons of his decision at AAMI Park on Thursday morning before thanking the club and saying he would always consider himself a "Melbourne person".
"This is the hardest decision I've made in my footy career to leave a club after ten years," he said.
Sylvia shapes as a strong inclusion for the Dockers, who have been prepared to use free agency to fill gaps under coach Ross Lyon.
He has kicked 129 goals in 157 games with Melbourne and had a very consistent year in 2013, playing 19 games and finishing fifth in the club's best and fairest.
