Fremantle seeks first AFL premiership after 32-year wait

The Fremantle Dockers are one win away from their first AFL premiership as they prepare to face Brisbane in the grand final. The club’s pursuit of a flag comes 32 years after its formation and follows a long history as one of the competition’s underdogs. Fremantle joined the AFL in 1995, becoming Western Australia’s second team after West Coast.

The club’s colours and identity reflect the city’s maritime history. Its purple was inspired by woollen hats worn by port workers, while red and green represented maritime signals for port and starboard. Dock workers, known as wharfies, remain closely connected to the team.

Fremantle’s early years were difficult and the club relied on 1,000 donations of $1,000 from its original fan group, the Harbour Masters. It later developed a fierce rivalry with West Coast and won its first Western Derby in 1999. The Dockers reached their first grand final in 2013, led by Matthew Pavlich, but lost to Hawthorn by 15 points.

A new generation has now taken the club back to the decider. Historian Les Everett described the current team as Fremantle’s best, crediting its development to drafting, trading and player development rather than father-son selections. Justin Longmuir’s side won the minor premiership before reaching the final.

The match has generated strong support in Fremantle, where the town has been decorated in purple. Supporters and wharfies described the club’s resilience and the significance of a possible first premiership. A victory would give Fremantle its first flag and turn the team into what Everett called living legends of the club.