Fremantle has officially turned purple ahead of the Dockers’ blockbuster preliminary final on Friday night, with pubs, shops and even the cappuccino strip draped with flags, signs and scarves.

As the flag favourites gear up for the Swans in what will be their biggest game of the year — at least so far — the port city has well and truly embraced the hype.

South Terrace — which will be painted purple if the Dockers make the grand final — has seen flags pinned up all the way down the famous cappucino strip, while shopfronts have been plastered by merchandise and messages of support.

The popular Culley’s Bakery and Cafe has this week been home to The West Australian’s bean counter fan poll, which shows a majority of the side’s supporters believe they can go all the way and lift the premiership.

The Federal Hotel, which has been covered in “Let’s go Freo” signs, will on Friday night connect with Bennys Bar and Paddy Troy Lane for the ultimate watch party, with 2000 diehards expected to cheer on their boys.

The Federation manager Jordan Humphreys said he loved how the city had embraced the hype and was ready to welcome thousands of screaming fans.

“It going to be a hugely fun evening, definitely the place to be,” he said.

Fremantle council has issued “Let’s Go Freo” posters for businesses to deck out their shopfronts in purple, which many have done to embrace the purple spirit sweeping the city.

Fremantle Chart and Map shop owner Liz Polton has followed the club since it was formed and admits the butterflies are growing ahead of Friday’s game.

“Nervous but we’re excited,” she said.

She said she enjoys the tension of a close game, but there was no hiding which result she wanted.

“I like it when it’s a tight game. I think it’s great for both sides,” she said. “But I would love for us to win.”

For her, the atmosphere is already building.

Last Friday ahead of the Dockers terrific semifinal victory over Geelong Ms Polton estimated four in five people in Fremantle were proudly wearing purple in the streets.

If Fremantle can get over Sydney this Friday, she expects the city to become even busier.

“It’ll be heaving. It’ll be so exciting,” she said, already planning balloons and a streamers to be draped from the front of her shop.

The excitement is not confined to supporters.

At the National Hotel, staff have cancelled regular Friday live music to make room for the game, with extra screens throughout the venue and capacity expected to be stretched.

“We know it’s going to be a big one,” manager Mark Moore said.

Mr Moore said the atmosphere reminded him of the scenes surrounding Fremantle’s only previous grand final campaign.

“I’ve seen pictures from 2013 when all three areas of the venue were jam packed,” he said. “Looking forward to it being like that again.”

For some supporters, the connection to the club goes back even further.

Greg Nichols joined Fremantle when the club was formed in 1994, after years of following West Coast.

He has been there from the beginning and said the excitement around the club’s latest campaign was palpable.

Tomorrow night, though, he expects a close contest.

“I reckon it’s about as even as it gets,” he said, pointing to Sydney’s strong season.

That uncertainty is part of what has Fremantle buzzing.

For a city with a long memory when it comes to finals football, Fremantle is once again waiting to see what the night will bring.