The Fremantle Dockers have never claimed an AFL premiership since their inception in 1995, but the league appears to believe that could change this September. CEO Andrew Dillon and his team at AFL House recently attempted to trademark the term 'WHARFIE TIME', a phrase the club has long used to rally the team to victory at home games, as reported by the Australian Financial Review.
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase was first coined by former captain Matthew Pavlich in 2009, when he urged his teammates to 'put on your Superman capes, it's wharfie time'. It has since become a rallying cry for the Dockers and their supporters.
AFL's Strategic Move
It is understood that the AFL is keen to capitalise on the lucrative merchandise and marketing opportunities that would accompany Fremantle's long-awaited first flag. The trademark application signals the league's confidence in the Dockers' prospects this season.
Promising Season So Far
Dockers fans have reason for optimism after years of heartache. The team currently sits in second place after eight rounds, with only one defeat, at the hands of Geelong. Impressive victories against Adelaide and Collingwood have supporters daring to dream, and they already hold bragging rights from the derby win over West Coast on April 19.
Expert Endorsement
West Coast premiership-winning coach Adam Simpson has declared the Dockers the 'real deal'. 'I'm all in on Fremantle,' Simpson said on SEN's Crunch Time. 'Last year, I just didn't think they were quite ready. A bit young, bit immature, parts of the game weren't quite together, but now they look strong and tough.'
Upcoming Clash
On Thursday night in Perth, Fremantle has the chance to prove they are genuine title contenders when they host Hawthorn in a blockbuster at Optus Stadium. In an ominous statistic, the Dockers have won seven of their past eight clashes against the Hawks and have lost to them only once at Optus Stadium, nine years ago.
Key Player to Watch
Luke Jackson is the player Hawthorn need to contain, and coach Sam Mitchell acknowledges the challenge. 'He (Jackson) is a unique type of player (given he can play ruck or as a forward) so he's potentially going to create some problems for us,' Mitchell said. 'Jackson was pretty potent in the air (against the Western Bulldogs)... (but) we have a couple of strategies for him.' Hawthorn are also entrenched in the top four and will be buoyed by their last-start draw against Collingwood at the MCG.
