Over 20,000 Fremantle fans pack MCG for captain's run before first grand final
More than 20,000 Fremantle supporters turned the MCG purple at Friday's captain's run, their first grand final appearance since 2013.
Over 20,000 Fremantle fans filled their section of the MCG's level one on Friday, chanting loud support as their team completed captain's run. Many had forked out thousands of dollars to travel from Perth for the grand final, the club's first since 2013.
Some took the long route via Bali or Singapore, while others made the 3300-kilometre drive across the Nullarbor. Dockers captain Alex Pearce said the turnout meant the world to the team.
Brisbane Lions are chasing a three-peat premiership and a fourth straight grand final appearance. Lions star Lachie Neale was jeered by some supporters after his successful appeal against a suspension cleared him to play against his former club.
Coach Chris Fagan has celebrated supporters at every training session since Brisbane's 2023 grand final appearance. The grand final kicks off Saturday at the MCG.
- 20,000 plus
- Fremantle fans at MCG
- 13
- Years since last grand final
- 3,300 kilometres
- Drive distance across Nullarbor
- 4
- Brisbane straight grand finals
Why it mattersA rare grand final appearance after 13 years shows how deeply Fremantle supporters have backed their team through lean years.
AustraliaThe AFL Grand Final is Australia's biggest sporting event; Fremantle's return matters to fans across the country who have waited over a decade for this.
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