31 years ago, the Fremantle Dockers joined the Australian Football League as the second West Australian team, after the Eagles.
Being the second team isn’t easy, and that has been the case for the Dockers. Some of it is self-inflicted; they have the worst song (just a looping of “Free-o, Heave Ho”) and the worst jersey (purple, anyone?). But some of it is just plain bad luck; the West Coast Eagles, largely by being first, are the second most successful club since 1990 (winning four premierships), have the second most members, the most revenue, the best facilities, many of the best players etc. For the average Freo fan, it’s been a tough three decades.
There have been some bright spots. Matthew Pavlich was their captain in the early 2000s and he was an absolute star, taking them close many times, but just didn’t have the support cast around him. In 2013 they made the final and lost by 15 points, after missing 14 times.
Every fan at some point says “There is always next year”. Perhaps, for Fremantle, this is the one. With two rounds to go, they are top of the table, and look destined to stay there. Finishing the league in first place doesn’t win you a trophy, but it’s a good sign as finals begin.
Will the purple army be singing the song on the last Saturday in September. Only time will tell.
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