Fremantle Dockers held a sold‑out open training session at the Cockburn Australian Rules Centre on Thursday, with thousands of supporters lining the sidelines as the team prepares for Saturday’s AFL Grand Final at Melbourne’s MCG.
The crowd erupted when the Dockers entered the oval, while media kept a close watch for any signs of injury; captain Alex Pearce was notably missing from the early drills, prompting concern among fans.
Pearce later emerged to a chorus of “Moose” from the crowd and participated only in light kicking drills alongside Sam Switkowski, who has confirmed he will retire after the Grand Final.
Fans travelled from regional towns – including a three‑decade supporter from Collie and others who arrived before 7:30 a.m. – hoping to see star ruckman Luke Jackson and gauge the Dockers’ chances against Brisbane.
Recent WAFL Grand Final winners from Peel Thunder – Sean Darcy, Bailey Banfield and Jeremy Sharp – showed no injury concerns, and potential emergencies Jaeger O’Meara and Brandon Walker also appeared fit after their WAFL commitments.
The Dockers’ injury list remains at three, with key forwards Jye Amiss, Patrick Voss and Josh Treacy all looking healthy; defender Brennan Cox, who sat out the WAFL final to stay fresh, trained strongly as well.
Coach Justin Longmuir, fresh from being named AFL Coaches Association Senior Coach of the Year, stayed calm throughout the session, reflecting on his recent Allan Jeans award and the club’s record 19‑win home‑and‑away season, including a 14‑game winning streak.
Longmuir, a former Dockers player, said the focus now is on Saturday’s Grand Final, where Fremantle seeks its first premiership in 32 years against a Brisbane side also eager to make history.