The tortured history powering Freo's premiership push
Stephen Hill's famous burst towards goal at Kardinia Park might have been the first time Fremantle fans truly believed their team was capable of winning an AFL premiership.
Some 13 years later - and more than three decades since the Dockers' formation as WA's second representative in the national competition - the 'Flagmantle' dream remains unfulfilled.
"The club has been kicked to the curb so often and looked down upon," Fremantle icon Shaun McManus told AAP.
"It would mean everything to win a premiership. It would get the monkey off the back and there would be no more questioning Fremantle.
"The whole city would erupt. It would be complete mayhem if they were able to get over the line."
Few have lived the Dockers' tortured and flag-less history more intimately than former captain McManus, a member of the inaugural squad from 1995.
The tough-as-nails midfielder, whose shock of blonde hair inspired a surfboard-wielding club mascot, gave his all for a team that scrapped for wins and enjoyed little success in the early years.
Upon his retirement in 2008, McManus, who played just four finals for one victory in 228 games with the Dockers, shared his dream for a brighter future.
"And when Fremantle win their grand final ... I'll be knocking 'Pav' off the stage to f***ing hold the cup."
Club legend Matthew Pavlich, just like fellow greats David Mundy, Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands, failed to claim that elusive premiership before hanging up his boots.
A new wave of stars, led by inspirational captain Alex Pearce, have since reignited the flame.
The Brisbane Lions are now the last rival left standing between Justin Longmuir's Dockers and 'immortality' - the motivational mantra that Andrew Brayshaw put on the squad's agenda via letters in their lockers.
If they get there, McManus will be on stage with his former teammate and close friend Longmuir as the presenter of the premiership cup.
"I was so surprised," McManus said of Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick handing him the honour.
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