Freo Cappuccino Strip turns purple for Dockers AFL finals campaign, mayor ‘confident’ this is their year

Fremantle’s roads might not be painted purple this year, but plans are in the works to turn the Cappuccino Strip into a purple palooza as the mayor claims this is the year Fremantle bring the flag to the port city.

The Dockers have already secured the minor premiership and will host two home finals at Optus Stadium in the club’s bid for an historic maiden premiership in 2026.

Fremantle mayor Ben Lawver said he had a “really, really good” feeling about this season.

“I’ve been saying we’re going to bring home the flag, so I’m still saying it, and I’m confident that we will,” Mr Lawver said.

“When they win and they come back here, I’m personally hoping for a parade... it would be amazing if, when they got off the plane, they just came straight here so we could all celebrate and thank them for their incredible season.”

Purple bunting, banners and tree wraps have been strung up around the city, but even more fun could be on the way if the Dockers secure a spot in the grand final.

Councillors will decide at next week’s meeting to approve funding for a major live site along the Cappuccino Strip, with large viewing screens set up and local businesses throwing open their doors for the expected 20,000 to 30,000 footy fans.

The city will waive hire and application fees for any businesses wanting to activate on grand final day.

It would be the club’s first appearance in the AFL decider in more than a decade.

Mr Lawver confirmed the city would become “more and more purple” the closer it gets to the finals, but will not be painting the roads as was famously done in 2013.

“The advice we have is the paint is just really, really expensive, and we can probably do a lot more with that money than just painting a road purple,” he said.

Local businesses are also succumbing to Freo fever by offering limited edition specials and decorations.

Fresh Docker pies will be filling up the Culley’s ovens, while San Churro is offering purple chocolate dipping sauce for its desserts.

Benny’s is already dishing up its iconic ‘Docker-cino’ coffees and cosmopolitan-inspired ‘Freo-tini’ cocktails, to pair with a purple Docker burger.