AFL grand final: Qantas and Virgin add 24 extra flights between Perth and Melbourne after Dockers’ prelim win

Australia’s two biggest air carriers have added 24 new flights between Perth and Melbourne after Fremantle’s remarkable preliminary final triumph.

The Dockers earned only their second grand final appearance in club history with a come-from-behind 12-point victory at the SCG on Friday night.

And it took less than an hour for Qantas and Virgin to cash in with nearly 4000 seats added by Virgin alone.

Qantas already added extra flights during the week to allow Fremantle fans to get to the SCG after the club’s epic semifinal victory over Geelong at Optus Stadium.

The airline has now added 2,300 seats to Melbourne on top of the extras they announced during the year as the Dockers built their minor premiership run.

The extra flights begin on Wednesday morning and offer options throughout the day across Thursday and Friday before Saturday’s decider at the home of footy.

“Following tonight’s win, Qantas has added another 13 flights between Perth and Melbourne to help get fans to the final game of the year,” a Qantas spokesperson said.

“This is on top of the 8,000 seats Qantas and Jetstar have already added to the schedule for supporters travelling from the West.”

There are also added flights for fans to return home after the contest.

Virgin Australia is set to fly more than 30,000 people between Perth and the East Coast during the Grand Final week.

Some Fremantle fans booked their flights and accommodations as early as March, crossing their fingers that their side would make it all the way.