NEW FREMANTLE recruit Colin Sylvia believes his best football is still in front of him, as he embarks on a fresh start at the Dockers.

The 27-year-old signed with Fremantle as an unrestricted free agent after 157 games across 10 seasons at Melbourne.

Sylvia says he has not yet reached his peak as a footballer.

"I don't feel like I've reached my potential yet so that’s all ahead of me," he said.  

"I'd like to play some more consistent footy. I think I had a pretty consistent year (in 2013) without any real breakout games but I think playing with a football club like Fremantle, they demand excellence and hopefully they can take me to the next level."

The third pick in the 2003 NAB AFL Draft admits he may have underperformed as a Demon but he has no excuses or regrets about his time at Melbourne.

"There's no excuses at all," Sylvia said.

"I don't think I've had a terrible 10 years. It has been a little bit up and down and I have been criticised for my inconsistency. But that's part of footy.

"I'm excited to be here now and focusing on the pre-season."

Sylvia says it was an extremely difficult decision to leave his home and relocate to Perth.

"I've been at the Melbourne Football Club for a long time, it had been a big part of my life and I wish the club really well," Sylvia said.

"I've got a lot of close friendships there and built a lot of strong relationships over the 10 years I was there.

"Freo presents a really good opportunity for me. It's a great fit for me and I'm really excited for the next chapter and phase of my footy career."

Despite being a regular member of the Demons’ side over the last nine seasons Sylvia, who turns 28 in November, is under no illusions about how hard it will be to break into the Fremantle line-up.

"It's extremely hard," Sylvia said.

"At the moment I'm primarily focussed on day one of pre-season and working really hard to earn the players’ respect, the coaches’ respect and everyone involved in the Fremantle Football Club.