Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
An excited Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick has declared his pride in the Dockers after they fought back from 28 points down to beat Sydney in a thrilling preliminary final.
The Dockers are flying back to Perth this morning to prepare for just the second grand final in club history after kicking the last six goals of the match to storm to victory.
Garlick said the stunning comeback summed up the way Fremantle had played all season.
“I’m really excited. It was an incredible effort to come back,” he said at Sydney Airport.
“We were 28 points down. That was the eighth time this year we have come back from a half-time deficit, so it shows the resilience of the group, who have been fantastic all year.
“They showed that character again. We’ve just had the resilience.”
Garlick admitted there were concerns when Sydney opened up a three-goal lead but said Hayden Young’s goal late in the third quarter sparked belief.
“They’ve always been in games. The longer it went, when we had that three or four-goal deficit, the more worried we were getting,” he said.
“But when Youngy kicked that goal at three-quarter time, I just had the feeling we had a few shots left in us.
“Then we started really well and Shai did some Shai things early in the last quarter. We had so much possession and field position. It felt like it was coming.”
med the Dockers will hold an open training session for their fans this week before travelling to Melbourne on Thursday to stick to their normal travel routine.
Fremantle will find out tonight whether they face Hawthorn or Brisbane in the grand final.
Garlick said the wild celebrations in WA were inspiring the players and would provide extra motivation heading into the biggest week in the club’s history.
“It’s so pleasing for our fans. Seeing the vision of Fremantle and what it means to people is something that has really driven us as a group,” he said.
“The guys have managed distractions all year and done an incredible job of that. That will be the focus.
“We just caught up with guys then and they’re really upbeat. They’re fatigued but looking forward to the trip back to Perth.”
Sydney Airport was also filled with Dockers fans flying home on Saturday morning.
Liam Farrell said the win was a dream come true.
“It is absolute ecstasy. It’s amazing. It’s just special. Bring on next week in Melbourne,” he said.
