The 27-year-old used his free-agent status to seek a move away from the struggling Demons, with Dockers coach Ross Lyon swooping on the former number three draft pick.
Sylvia said he hoped playing in a more successful environment with Fremantle would draw out his best football.
"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 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."
Sylvia conceded his personal fortunes at Melbourne wavered in his 10 seasons at the club, but did not look to excuse himself.
"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 focussing on the pre-season."
Sylvia said his body was well and truly up to scratch, as he looks to try and make in-roads into Lyon's best 22.
"My body is actually in the best condition that it has ever been in," he said.
"It's better than it was in my first three or four years with osteitis pubis.
"I played a full season last year and only missed three games due to suspension and played every other game.
"My body is in great shape and I feel like I can play for many years yet."
Sylvia is expected to be joined in moving to Fremantle by Essendon forward Scott Gumbleton, with the injury-prone key position player believed to be headed west in exchange for a late third-round pick.