There were wild scenes in Fremantle on Friday night after the hometown team slid into a grand final berth and next weekend looks set to be even bigger for bars and pubs as revellers pour into the port city.
And if Friday’s wild scenes are anything to go by a Freo win next Saturday, will see the streets become home to the biggest party the city’s seen since the America’s Cup in the 80s.
Benny’s bar co-owner Ivan Dzeba said hundreds of people watched the match there on Friday night.
Their video of Docker’s fans celebrating in the streets post-match went viral overnight and had more than 1 million views on Saturday.
“It was incredible scenes after they won, something we haven’t seen since 2013,” he said.
“Everyone was ecstatic, happy, every bus that came past people were shouting ‘Take us to the MCG’.”
This was a sharp contrast to the tense mood when Freo slipped behind Sydney.
“At three quarter-time there was a sombre mood… everyone was flat,” Mr Dzeba said.
“I was thinking oh my god it’s an absolute disaster this isn’t going to happen.
“After Patty Voss got that goal, it lifted everyone up, everyone began hugging high-fiving, it kept going, it was awesome.”
Mr Dzeba said they were now prepping for their biggest week ever.
Tickets to Benny’s grand final event sold out four weeks ago and he expects the city will be at capacity on Saturday.
“I’ll be surprised if you’ll be able to find a spot in Fremantle to watch it,” he said.
“I was there for 2013, and I think this will be bigger, there’s been so much build up to this one, everyone’s been waiting for so long.
“It’ll be busy this whole week, Freo, it’s the place to be and if they win the grand final it’ll be the same the whole week after.
“Fremantle will be busy, but come down enjoy the vibe enjoy the purple passion.”
National Hotel owner Karl Bullers said he became a Freo fan after coming moving to the West from the UK and buying the pub in 2012.
“Ever since I bought a pub in Freo, I’ve been a Freo fan,” he said.
“Our fortunes are closely tied to the game, and once Freo make finals, we start making money.
“This is going to be the biggest event Freo’s ever seen.”
The National was at capacity on Friday night and a grand final ticketed event on the first floor was almost sold out.
However, the ground floor will be open for walk-ins and opening early for breakfast.
There will also be a big screen set up at the Old Courthouse with free entry.
The City of Fremantle will be closing the Cappuccino Strip to traffic.
Fans can gather in the heart of Fremantle to watch the game on large screens.
There will also be big screens set up at Freo Oval.
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said finals presented a unique opportunity to celebrate Fremantle’s community spirit.
“The Fremantle Dockers are an integral part of our city’s story and we’re incredibly proud to stand behind them as they chase premiership glory,” he said.
“Turning Fremantle purple is a visible show of support for the club, its players, members and fans, but it’s also about bringing our community together and creating an atmosphere that reflects the pride we all feel in our home-town team.
“And if the Dockers make it to the grand final, there would be no better place to watch the game than in the heart of Fremantle.”
A full list of events and watch parties around the city can be found online.
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