Latest news with #Dockers'
West Australian
5 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Former West Coast defender Alex Witherden says Fremantle's decision to play Nat Fyfe ‘reeks of desperation'
Former West Coast defender Alex Withderden has taken a bizarre swipe at his former arch-rivals Fremantle, saying the Dockers' selection of Nat Fyfe 'reeks of desperation'. The Dockers parachuted the dual Brownlow medallist into their team to take on Gold Coast at People First Stadium on Saturday despite not playing at all this season. Fyfe has not suited up since he injured his hamstring while playing for Peel Thunder in round two and the former skipper's last AFL game was all the way back in round 24 of last year. The 33-year-old joins ruckman Sean Darcy and defender Josh Draper in coming into the team for injured captain Alex Pearce, hard-running defender Cooper Simpson (shoulder) and small forward Isaiah Dudley — who will miss for personal reasons. Darcy returns despite Luke Jackson starring in the No.1 ruck role with the decision to bring him back also causing plenty of consternation among AFL fans. Witherden — who was delisted by the Eagles last year after 62 games in four seasons having crossed from Brisbane — said he was shocked at the selection of Fyfe and Darcy. 'I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it last night,' Witherden told SEN. 'I was really surprised. I feel like the last fortnight they've played some of their better footy in recent years, they've really started to get going, they've got a bit more speed on the ball which has given their forwards really good looks. 'I'm just not sure why you would mess with the mix that you've got at the moment, there was just no need to, but we do know that Darcy and Fyfe at their best can be really big assets for the Fremantle footy club going forward. 'The other key thing about this which shocks me is Perth to Gold Coast is the longest travel in AFL footy … for guys with injury history it just doesn't seem to make sense either.' Witherden then stunned when he took a bit swipe at the Dockers' decision for picking Fyfe ahead of a crucial clash against the Suns which they're not expected to win. 'It reeks of desperation or a Hail Mary or whatever it might be,' he said. 'It doesn't quite pass the sniff test for me, I would've liked to see them both come back through the WAFL.'
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
‘Reeks of desperation': Former Eagles' shot at Fyfe, Dockers
Former West Coast defender Alex Withderden has taken a bizarre swipe at his former arch-rivals Fremantle, saying the Dockers' selection of Nat Fyfe 'reeks of desperation'. The Dockers parachuted the dual Brownlow medallist into their team to take on Gold Coast at People First Stadium on Saturday despite not playing at all this season. Fyfe has not suited up since he injured his hamstring while playing for Peel Thunder in round two and the former skipper's last AFL game was all the way back in round 24 of last year. The 33-year-old joins ruckman Sean Darcy and defender Josh Draper in coming into the team for injured captain Alex Pearce, hard-running defender Cooper Simpson (shoulder) and small forward Isaiah Dudley — who will miss for personal reasons. Darcy returns despite Luke Jackson starring in the No.1 ruck role with the decision to bring him back also causing plenty of consternation among AFL fans. Witherden — who was delisted by the Eagles last year after 62 games in four seasons having crossed from Brisbane — said he was shocked at the selection of Fyfe and Darcy. 'I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it last night,' Witherden told SEN. 'I was really surprised. I feel like the last fortnight they've played some of their better footy in recent years, they've really started to get going, they've got a bit more speed on the ball which has given their forwards really good looks. 'I'm just not sure why you would mess with the mix that you've got at the moment, there was just no need to, but we do know that Darcy and Fyfe at their best can be really big assets for the Fremantle footy club going forward. 'The other key thing about this which shocks me is Perth to Gold Coast is the longest travel in AFL footy … for guys with injury history it just doesn't seem to make sense either.' Witherden then stunned when he took a bit swipe at the Dockers' decision for picking Fyfe ahead of a crucial clash against the Suns which they're not expected to win. Former West Coast defender Alex Witherden has taken a strange swipe at the Dockers. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos / AFL Photos via Getty Images 'It reeks of desperation or a Hail Mary or whatever it might be,' he said. 'It doesn't quite pass the sniff test for me, I would've liked to see them both come back through the WAFL.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dockers Footwear Marks Next Chapter With New Innovations, More Classifications
Dockers footwear is ready for its next chapter. The category, which is under license with Nashville-based Genesco, has undergone a massive transformation in recent seasons and executives are eager to show it off this upcoming market season. More from WWD EXCLUSIVE: Aerosoles to Preview Archive-Inspired 'Essentials' Collection to Buyers at Next Week's FFANY Authentic Brands Group Is Buying Dockers for $311 Million Johnston & Murphy Marks 175th Anniversary With Special Campaign, Collection and More According to Genesco Brands Group president Rick Higgins, the company has been laser focused on evolving the brand's shoe offering away from just an assortment centered around classic dress silhouettes. 'We saw an opportunity to repurpose that legacy and build something that better fits today's consumer,' Higgens told FN in an exclusive interview. 'The market is constantly moving, and our customer is looking for footwear that delivers on comfort and versatility along with the right look, and that's exactly where we've taken the line.' The exec noted that the company 'made some real strides' thanks to listening closely to the Dockers' consumer. 'They're telling us that they want footwear that can move with them,' Higgens said. 'Something they can wear to work, on the go, or go out with friends, without having to sacrifice comfort or style. That insight has helped shape the way we think about design materials and the overall experience of wearing Dockers' shoes.' Higgens added that the company has seen 'great support' from its retail partners, which have been 'excited' about the new direction for the category. 'There has been momentum on the self to our updated assortment – from new comfort platforms to more casual offerings,' the exec said. 'It has been incredibly encouraging as we work on adding fresh perspectives and technical know-how to help take the product to the next level.' The executive also highlighted key styles for spring/summer 2026, which include the Resurgence shoe with the brand's active rebound technology, the Bingley dress shoe series with elevated comfort features, and the Sorrento men's casual sandal with an active rebound footbed and outsole. This comes as the company readies the opening of its brand-new showroom in New York City, which will be feted during market week on June 4. Now located at 1410 Broadway on the 10th floor, the showroom offers a more 'elevated presentation,' the executive described. 'I feel like it showcases the brands better in this new space.' Bottom line, Higgens wants buyers to be on the lookout for Dockers' elevated, technology-packed shoe collection this season. 'We're proud of where things are headed it feels like a fresh chapter for Dockers footwear.' This comes one week after brand management firm Authentic Brands Group inked a deal to acquire the Dockers brand from Levi Strauss & Co. for $311 million. The deal has the potential to ultimately reach up to $391 million through an $80 million earn-out opportunity based on the performance of the Dockers business under Authentic's ownership in the years ahead. At press time no word if Dockers' new owners will reorganize its license structure for the label. So, for now, the brand's shoe category will remain with Genesco. In the full fiscal year 2025, Genesco reported net sales were flat at $2.3 billion compared to fiscal 2024. The company reported a net loss of $18.9 million in fiscal 2025 compared to a loss of $16.8 million last year. The company added that overall sales for the year increased 3 percent at Journeys, offset by a decrease of 6 percent at Johnston & Murphy and an 11 percent decrease at Genesco Brands, while sales at Schuh were flat. Looking ahead, the company expects net sales in fiscal 2026 to be flat to up 1 percent compared to fiscal 2025. Genesco reports first quarter 2026 earnings on June 4. Best of WWD All the Retailers That Nike Left and Then Went Back Mikey Madison's Elegant Red Carpet Shoe Style [PHOTOS] Julia Fox's Sleekest and Boldest Shoe Looks Over the Years [Photos] Sign in to access your portfolio
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Dockers pick and stick with unchanged side for Power clash
Walyalup (Fremantle) have named an unchanged team for the first time this year to tackle Yartapuulti (Port Adelaide) at Optus Stadium on Saturday. It means Justin Longmuir has stuck by young midfielder Neil Erasmus after his 19-disposal performance in the impressive victory over Greater Western Sydney last week. Ruckman Sean Darcy, who had been pushing to return from a knee injury, will miss a second straight week after pulling up sore from Wednesday's main training session at Cockburn. Under-siege Yartapuulti have made four changes, with Jason Horne-Francis, Esava Ratugolea, Lachie Jones and Josh Sinn all out injured. Defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher will play his first game for the year, while veteran Travis Boak has also returned. Rory Atkins — who joined the club from Gold Coast last year — will play just his second game of the season and 2021 draftee Hugh Jackson will make a long-awaited AFL debut. Longmuir confirmed earlier on Thursday Darcy would miss the clash, leaving Luke Jackson to carry the ruck load again. Darcy's second straight week on the sidelines comes as debate rages around what the Dockers' best ruck set-up actuall looks like. 'Firstly, we've got to get him back to full fitness, and that's not going to happen this week,' Longmuir said on SEN. 'He didn't pull up great after the session yesterday. Not bad, just not quite 100 per cent. 'So he won't be available for selection this week.' Walyalup (Fremantle) coach Justin Longmuir has named an unchanged side to play the Power. Credit: Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos / Getty Images It means Darcy will have played in just 17 of the Dockers' past 40 matches, including being substituted out of three of those games. Luke Jackson will again take the bulk of ruck responsibilities on Saturday, coming off a strong showing against the Giants where he earned five votes in the AFL Coaches Association's Champion Player of the Year award. Longmuir reiterated the Dockers' 'horses for courses' approach to their ruck-set-up and said he was steadfast in his belief that Darcy and Jackson would form a potent on-field combination when both fit. 'The way I see Luke and Sean... they've only really had half a game together, and that was the Collingwood game (round nine),' Longmuir said. Power coach Ken Hinkley, who is the subject of mounting pressure around his own job as the club prepares to transition to Josh Carr at the end of the season, said he was 'changing up' rather than 'shaking up his side' out of necessity. 'Some of those things are out of our control now with what we have lost through injury, versus what we can certainly bring into the side,' he said on Wednesday. 'The good thing about what we can bring into the side is some good experience that are available to us to bring into the side at a moment where you need some experience.'
Fibre2Fashion
20-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
US Authentic Brands Group to acquire iconic American brand Dockers
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic), a global brand development and licensing platform, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the intellectual property of Dockers from Levi Strauss & Co. The addition of Dockers, an American brand renowned for bringing casualwear into the mainstream, aligns with Authentic's strategy to grow its portfolio through brands with strong heritage, loyal consumers and global recognition. Dockers has been a staple in American wardrobes since 1986, known for making khakis and chinos synonymous with everyday style. From iconic campaigns to memorable moments in pop culture, the brand defined an era of casual style and continues to resonate with consumers around the world. Authentic Brands Group is acquiring Dockers' intellectual property from Levi Strauss & Co. and has named Centric Brands as its operating partner for key categories in the US and Canada. Known for its legacy in casualwear, Dockers will be expanded globally through Authentic's licensing network, with plans to scale in LATAM, EMEA, and SE Asia and reimagine the brand for a new generation. 'Dockers is a natural fit for the Authentic model,' said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic . 'It's a brand with deep roots, high awareness and a solid foundation in licensing – all things we look for when acquiring new brands. Dockers played a key role in shaping casual workwear as we know it today and we see significant potential to build on that legacy and grow the brand across a variety of categories.' Coinciding with the transaction, Authentic has signed a licensing agreement with its long-standing partner Centric Brands, which will serve as the operating partner for Dockers across key categories in the US and Canada. Centric will take on sportswear, activewear, kids' apparel, dress shirts, workwear and performance golf, reinforcing Dockers' positioning across both lifestyle and functional segments. Jason Rabin, CEO of Centric Brands , said, "Dockers represents everything we look for in a brand partnership – iconic heritage, consumer loyalty, and growth potential. We're bringing the same strategic expertise to Dockers that we've applied to our successful brand portfolio that includes design, strategic sourcing and an extensive wholesale network. We look forward to the growth of the Dockers brand.' In line with its proven playbook, Authentic plans to unlock new opportunities for Dockers through its global network of more than 1,700 licensing partners, with a focus on innovation, omnichannel expansion and international growth. The company is in active discussions with regional operators in LATAM, EMEA and SE Asia to transition and scale Dockers' existing businesses across those markets. 'Few brands own a category the way Dockers does, yet still have so much room to grow,' said Matt Maddox, President at Authentic . 'Its legacy in casualwear gives it a strong foundation, but the real opportunity lies in reimagining the brand for a new generation. Through our global platform and deep licensing network, we're committed to stewarding the brand into its next era of growth and relevance.' Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
