The Fremantle Dockers have announced they will play Coldplay's hit 'Viva La Vida' whenever their players score a goal at home games, but the decision has been met with widespread criticism from fans. The club hopes supporters will chant 'Fre-ooo' instead of the song's famous 'Oh-oh-oh' refrain, a move inspired by the AFLW team's use of the tune during last year's finals series.
Dockers star Hayden Young defended the choice, saying, 'We saw it happen in the AFLW ... it's a great connection piece between our players, AFL, AFLW, and our fanbase. When I think about 40,000 people singing in unison, it gets me up and about.' However, many fans took to social media to express their displeasure, with one writing, 'The gameplay isn't painful enough, now we have to endure Coldplay as well?' Others described the idea as 'cringe' and 'vomit-inducing'.
The backlash comes as Fremantle sit second-last on the ladder after two consecutive defeats, including a narrow three-point loss to the Sydney Swans on Sunday. The Dockers led by 22 points at quarter-time but were pipped at the post when Jye Amiss's mark was ruled after the final siren. Coach Justin Longmuir admitted the team was 'predictable' in attack and needs to improve closing out games.
In addition to the Coldplay tune, the club will continue to use AC/DC's 'TNT' for home victories and 'Hells Bells' before matches, honouring former lead singer Bon Scott, who grew up in Fremantle. The Dockers face the West Coast Eagles in next Sunday's western derby, desperate for their first win of the season.
