Fans flock to Dockers’ final home training ahead of grand final clash

Fremantle’s last training session at their home ground ahead of this year’s grand final was more for the fans than for players, as thousands lined the sidelines of the Cockburn facility on Thursday.

The crowd erupted as the team arrived on the oval, while assembled media kept a close eye on any players that may be showing signs of injury or soreness.

Questions were raised early when Dockers captain Alex Pearce was a notable absence from the main group who ran out early to hit the track.

The reliable skipper eventually made an appearance, to a resounding chorus of “Moose” from the crowd – and to visible relief to the thousands watching.

However, Pearce did not take part in several running drills early in the session, instead seen doing light kicking duties with Sam Switkowski, who has already announced his plans to retire from AFL football after Saturday’s grand final.

One supporter, who has been following the club for three decades, travelled up from the regional South West town of Collie to see the team in action in his first visit to the Cockburn ARC ground.

“I’ve been a Dockers supporter for 30 years, they’ve got to do it,” Jacob said.

Friends Olivia and Jenna got to the front of the line at 7.30am, waiting eagerly to get a taste of the Dockers action.

“I love all the boys, but Pearce has got a special place in my heart, he’s going to captain us to victory I believe,” Jenna said.

“I really hope we can win, I’ve got tickets so I’m going to be in Melbourne at the final.”

Another supporter told this masthead they were only at the open training to see star ruckman Luke Jackson, and believed the Dockers were “a solid chance to win now”.

“Hawthorn’s out, Brisbane is in and Freo is coming for it,” they said.

Fresh from their WAFL grand final victory with the Peel Thunder, players including Sean Darcy, Bailey Banfield, and Jeremy Sharp showed no ill effects from the comfortable victory over Claremont on Sunday.

Jaeger O’Meara, and Brandon Walker, who have been considered as emergencies for Saturday’s match at the MCG, also pulled up well after their efforts in the WAFL.