Thousands of Fremantle supporters turned out for the Dockers’ final home training session before Saturday’s AFL grand final, with captain Alex Pearce’s late arrival providing an early moment of tension at the Cockburn ARC.
The crowd roared as the players emerged, while media watched closely for any signs of injury or soreness ahead of the meeting with Brisbane at the MCG.
Pearce was initially absent from the main group, prompting concern among those watching. He later appeared to a loud chorus of “Moose”, drawing visible relief from the crowd.
The Fremantle captain did not join several of the early running drills, instead undertaking light kicking work with Sam Switkowski. Switkowski has announced plans to retire from AFL football after the grand final.
Fremantle fans turn out in force
For many supporters, the session was an opportunity to see their team together before the club’s first premiership decider since its entry into the competition 32 years ago.
Jacob travelled from Collie in the South West for his first visit to the Cockburn ARC after following Fremantle for three decades.
“I’ve been a Dockers supporter for 30 years, they’ve got to do it,” he said.
Friends Olivia and Jenna had arrived at 7.30am to secure a place at the front of the queue before travelling to Melbourne for the match.
“I love all the boys, but Pearce has got a special place in my heart, he’s going to captain us to victory I believe,” Jenna said.
“I really hope we can win, I’ve got tickets so I’m going to be in Melbourne at the final.”
Another supporter said they had attended chiefly to see star ruckman Luke Jackson and believed Fremantle were now “a solid chance to win”.
“Hawthorn’s out, Brisbane is in and Freo is coming for it,” they said. “It’s 31 years in the making! This is it, we want the cup.”
Players returning from Peel Thunder’s comfortable WAFL grand final win over Claremont also trained without visible problems. Sean Darcy, Bailey Banfield and Jeremy Sharp were among those to take part, while Jaeger O’Meara and Brandon Walker also came through their efforts after being considered as emergencies for Saturday.
Brennan Cox, who was held out of the Peel victory to preserve his freshness for a possible recall, trained strongly. He had lost his place to Oscar McDonald during the finals series.
Key forwards Jye Amiss, Patrick Voss and Josh Treacy showed no visible injury concerns, with Fremantle currently listing three players on its injury list.
Coach Justin Longmuir appeared calm during the session after being named the Australian Football League Coaches Association’s Senior Coach of the Year.
Longmuir said the Allan Jeans award reflected the work of his coaching staff, describing it as an honour and thanking them for their “dedication and support”.
Fremantle claimed the minor premiership after a club-record 19-win home-and-away season, including a 14-game winning streak and an unbeaten 12-0 record at Optus Stadium during the regular season.
The Dockers now face a Brisbane side seeking a third successive grand final victory after appearing in the past three season deciders. Whatever the result, Saturday’s match will mark a significant chapter in both clubs’ histories.
