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AFL grand final: Live coverage of Fremantle Dockers’ clash against Brisbane in MCG decider

Jake Santa Maria & Aaron KirbyThe West Australian
VideoJosh Treacy settled the Dockers' nerves with this early goal in the grand final.

AFL: It’s the day Freo fans have dreamt about - and the game that could see Dockers players become immortals.

Grand final day is here, and it’s Fremantle’s second chance in club history to get their hands on the elusive premiership cup.

There’s forecast showers in Melbourne, but that won’t dampen the spirits of the Purple Army amid a massive throng of travelling fans.

Stay across all the news and developments on a HUGE grand final day here!

IN PICTURES: The moment it all went wrong

From jubilation to devastation in seconds.

Stuart Quinn
Camera IconStuart Quinn Credit: The Sunday Times
Stuart Quinn
Camera IconStuart Quinn Credit: The Sunday Times
Stuart Quinn
Camera IconStuart Quinn Credit: The Sunday Times
Stuart Quinn
Camera IconStuart Quinn Credit: The Sunday Times

‘Wronged from the beginning’: Dockers fans think Lachie Neale should not have played

Lachie Neale’s presence in the grand final remained hotly contested into Saturday evening, with many saying he should not have been allowed to play.

For James O’Reilly, the Dockers were wronged from the beginning.

“It was a good game, very competitive — but at the end of the day you’ve got to ask yourself the question of ‘what is wrong with the AFL?’” he said.

“For him (Neale) to be allowed to stand there and give speeches and win that medal after the way he treated blokes when playing the game is unforgivable.

“We’ve been wronged from the beginning.”

Quiet moments with Fyfe

Dockers legend and two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe was in the Dockers’ rooms after the game to console his former teammates.

Nat Fyfe was in the Dockers’ rooms after the game to console his former teammates.
Camera IconNat Fyfe was in the Dockers’ rooms after the game to console his former teammates. Credit: Supplied

Fans gutted

Fans in Fremantle continue to leave in the masses, arm in arm, after wharfie time ended in a way they desperately did not want.

Ashley Carnell and Angus Lincoln are among the many left gutted, saying they are still shocked by how the game finished.

“Just so shocked, really,” they said.

“Can’t believe that in the last literally four minutes, so much could go wrong,” Mr Lincoln said.

“My mum and auntie will be at home crying,” Ms Carnell added.

For the Fremantle faithful, the final moments have left a sea of supporters stunned as they make their way home, still trying to comprehend how it all slipped away.

‘Conditioned for pain’: Forlorn Freo fans

Long-time Dockers devotee Dan Huxtable, 53, said it was a difficult loss, but a great game overall.

“It was a great game of footy, hard way to lose in the last four minutes, but you know, that’s finals footy,” he said.

“I think the next generation will take it harder than us . . . the original supporters like us are conditioned for pain.”

Premiership pic

The moment Lions fans have had plenty of over the last three years.

But remember Freo fans, they lost one before that in brutal fashion.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 26: The Lions celebrate after winning the AFL Grand Final match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 26, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)
Camera IconThe Lions celebrate after winning the AFL Grand Final. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Deflated fans’ mass exodus from Freo

Deflated fans have made a mass exodus from Fremantle following the grim loss, with many in disbelief that their beloved team’s luck had turned so cruelly.

“I feel devastated, I absolutely thought they had it,” Kate Marsie said.

“I can’t believe they stole so many points in such a short period of time. I just can’t comprehend it.”

Damien Marsie said wharfie time “did more damage than good”.

“I guess there’s always next year,” he said.

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