Hype builds in WA as Fremantle Dockers prepare to host Gold Coast Suns in elimination final at Optus Stadium

A purple frenzy has swept across the State as West Aussies get behind Fremantle ahead of their do-or-die home final on Saturday night. Around 60,000 fans — including some of the biggest Perthonalities and former stars — are expected to fill the stands of Optus Stadium for the sold-out spectacle, while the streets of the harbourside town have been draped in Dockers’ colours for the club’s return to September action. An expected downpour of up to 15mm isn’t expect to dampen the spirits of the Freo faithful, who promptly snapped up a limited second release of tickets earlier this week, following the first release selling out in minutes. Among those in attendance will be champion golfer Min Woo Lee, who will form part of the guard of honour as the Dockers run through the banner for the last time at home in 2025. WA Premier and Dockers diehard Roger Cook, who is also expected to be at the ground, has tipped his team to win by eight points, with the bookmakers also backing the hosts. But it’s not just Perth’s marquee stadium that will come alive for the elimination final on Saturday night, with local business also throwing their support behind the premiership aspirants — who are playing finals for the first time since 2022 — with balloons, streamers and bunting also popping up all over Perth. Benny’s Fremantle are serving up anchor-dusted burgers and coffees, while more once-off themed bites will be available at Optus Stadium, including purple-frosted cupcakes with white chocolate anchors on top. Sea containers spread out across the harbour town have also been emblazoned with messages of support from diehard supporters, while club legends have rallied behind their old side in videos sent to The West Australian. Top players Luke Jackson, Sean Darcy and Brennan Cox, pictured, were even swarmed by supporters after an open training session as they stopped to read their fans’ notes. Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said he had been blown away by the WA support. “Our fans are passionate and they’ve been behind us all year,” Longmuir said. “We appreciate their support. We’ve got more members than we’ve ever had and this is as much about their excitement and their journey as it is ours. I’m glad we can bring them along for that ride.” Fremantle — who are bolstered by the likes of megastars Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, Shai Bolton and the retiring Nat Fyfe — are easy $1.51 favourites to get the win over Gold Coast, having never lost to the Queenslanders at Optus Stadium and holding an 11 to five head-to-head. The Suns flew into Perth to little ovation on Friday, before having a kick at Optus Stadium later that afternoon.