season Pavlich had a frustrating start to the 2013 season after a pre-existing Achilles tendon injury resurfaced in the Dockers round three clash against Essendon, forcing Pavlich to undergo surgery. Pavlich was originally thought to be sidelined for only four to six weeks but a longer recovery time than anticipated kept him out for sixteen weeks. Despite losing their leading goal kicker Fremantle remained in good form contending for a top four finish on the ladder throughout the season. Pavlich made his return during Fremantle's round 20 clash against GWS kicking two goals. A win in the qualifying final against Geelong and a top 4 ladder finish saw Pavlich and the Dockers proceed to face the Sydney Swans in the preliminary finals. Pavlich played a pivotal role kicking 3 goals leading the Dockers to a 25 point victory and the clubs first ever AFL Grand Final appearance. Pavlich kicked 3 goals in the Dockers 15 point loss to Hawthorn. 2014 season Pavlich played his 300th game in round 9 against the Geelong Cats. He reached another milestone in the same match, with his 600th career goal. 2016 season On 13 January 2016, Pavlich relinquished the captaincy of the Fremantle Football Club after nine seasons, and was replaced by David Mundy. Pavlich announced his retirement at the end of July 2016, with his final game slated to be in Round 23 against the Western Bulldogs. He stated, "I'm just looking forward to finishing the season off individually in good form and certainly helping my teammates launch towards 2017... I have nothing left to give and I can walk away feeling quite fulfilled." In August, Pavlich's 353rd and final game saw Fremantle defeat the eventual Premiers, the Western Bulldogs, by 20 points. It was only Fremantle's fourth win for the season, and came after eight straight losses. Pavlich entered the ground with his teammates and family through a 29-person guard-of-honour of Fremantle Football Club fans. He kicked a goal in the first quarter to reach 700 career goals, which moved him into elite company in the 350-game, 700-goal club with Kevin Bartlett and Bernie Quinlan. After the game, Pavlich ran a final lap of the stadium to farewell fans before exiting the ground through a guard-of-honour consisting of current Fremantle and Western Bulldogs players, and past Fremantle players. Pavlich said he planned to have a six-month break with his family before pursuing