Fremantle has turned purple ahead of the AFL grand final against Brisbane, with fans holding an unwavering belief that their 32-year flag drought could finally be over. The port city's streets erupted in chaotic celebrations after the Dockers' preliminary final win over the Swans, with hundreds of jubilant fans dancing, hugging and partying in the pouring rain.
City erupts in purple pandemonium
The CBD became a vibrant sea of purple as supporters chanted “MCG, MCG”, seemingly terrifying several bus drivers trying to weave through the crowds. Despite the frenzied fervour, violence or mayhem did not mar the euphoria, as stoic supporters were too delirious that their beloved club was in another grand final.
For east coasters, watching revellers shut down the heart of the city on a Friday night might seem baffling, but the Fremantle faithful have been left bloodied and bruised over the past 32 years chasing their place in football history. Dockers devotees have been bullied and mocked by supporters of bitter rivals West Coast Eagles, who have pocketed four flags along the way.
Underdogs with a chip on their shoulder
Hard-nosed Freo fans also harbour deep resentment towards the AFL, which put out the welcome mat for the Eagles but turned its back on the Dockers when they joined the competition in 1995. Being underdogs from day one has left scars, and the club has built its identity around perseverance and resilience, embodying the working-class ethos of Fremantle.
For battle-hardened fans, a first premiership would be more than a sporting achievement. It would be a moment of relief, joy and immortality, fulfilling a dream many feared would never happen. The city is literally painting the streets purple, with even a local real estate agent decked out in a Dockers' guernsey sticking a flyer in letterboxes that read “It’s Wharfie Time”.
Grand final day celebrations planned
Fremantle mayor Ben Lawver said the town was gearing up for one of the largest celebrations in the city's history. “It’s exciting to see our entire community getting behind the Dockers and folk coming into Freo just to soak up the vibe,” he said.
More than 40,000 people are expected to squeeze into various events around the city on grand final day, with some 10,000 fans set to descend on Fremantle Oval. LED screens will be erected on the Cappuccino Strip, Walyalup Koort, Esplanade Reserve and on the corner of Market and High Streets for those who cannot cram into cafes or pubs.
If the Dockers win their first flag, it would be a bigger bash than when former Royal Navy Admiral Edward Russell invited 5,000 of his closest sailor buddies to partake in a large fountain filled with brandy and punch, with festivities believed to have lasted five days. No other place on earth will be celebrating harder and longer than Fremantle, with the port city set to belong to the lifelong fans and believers who waited a generation to see their club's ultimate success.
