Dockers Farewelled By 3,000 Fans at Cockburn Before Grand Final
Three thousand Dockers fans turned a Wednesday training run into a farewell.
Fremantle packed its headquarters at Cockburn ARC Oval on 23 September for one last hit-out in Western Australia before flying to Melbourne for Saturday's grand final. The club ticketed the session due to demand, and every ticket went. One fan said entry cost about $5, according to ABC News.
The stakes are simple. Fremantle play the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, 26 September. First bounce is at 2.30pm AEST. It is the club's first AFL grand final — the season's championship decider — in 13 years.
Fremantle earned its place by beating Sydney in the preliminary final, the knockout semi-final that decides who reaches the grand final, as reported by AFL.com.au. Now coach Justin Longmuir's side get one shot at the flag.
Gates at Cockburn opened at 8.30am and training started from 9am, the club said. Entry was strictly ticket only through the gate on Remembrance Avenue, and fans without a ticket were turned away, according to Fremantle FC. Tickets had gone on sale at 2.30pm WST on Monday 21 September.
After the main session, players stayed out for a signing session. That is standard for an open training, a rostered practice where supporters can watch from the boundary. This one felt different. Loud. Packed. Pointed east.
Club chief executive Simon Garlick watched on alongside WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti. Former Docker Lee Spurr was there too. Spurr played in Fremantle's 2013 grand final, the club's last appearance on the big stage.
There was also good news on the selection front. Key defender Brennan Cox has been declared available for the grand final after missing time since round 24 with a calf injury, according to AFL.com.au.
What makes this stand out is the wait. Thirteen years is a long time between grand finals. For fans, this was a chance to be close before the team disappears into Melbourne and the noise builds.
Next stop is the MCG. Fremantle train in front of home fans no more. Saturday decides it all.
