Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
In 2022, Fremantle were desperate to send off David Mundy with an AFL flag, only for Collingwood to end the dream in a semi-final.
Last year it was all about Nat Fyfe riding off into the sunset with a premiership, only for Gold Coast to crush that hope with a last-gasp elimination final win.
The Dockers will be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky when Sam Switkowski bows out in Saturday’s grand final against Brisbane at the MCG.
Switkowski announced his retirement plans on the eve of the finals, and the 29-year-old is the first to admit he lacks the star power of former teammates who hung up the boots before him.
Fyfe was a two-time Brownlow Medal winner and esteemed captain. Mundy played a record 376 games for Fremantle and also skippered the club.
In contrast, Switkowski will be lining up for game No.131 on Saturday.
But his low-key career is now a chance to end with premiership glory, something that Fyfe, Mundy and Matthew Pavlich never tasted during their glittering playing journeys.
Dockers players often spoke of their motivation to send off Fyfe with a flag last year, but Switkowski was quick to play down any comparisons between himself and the retired great.
“I would say it’s pretty rough to compare Fyfe’s situation to mine because our careers are obviously incredibly different,” a humble Switkowski said when reflecting on the approaching end to his career.
“But being on the other side of it previously, you definitely feel that (desire to win a flag for a retiring teammate).
“I felt that emotion last year with Fyfe, and you obviously want to send him off in the best way you can.
“I’m really trying to keep things downplayed and low-key with the team this year, and not let it be a distraction.
“But I’m glad I did announce it pre-finals because I think it’s just been a great way for the team to connect, and even for myself to really enjoy it.”
Switkowski is still a key cog in Fremantle’s forward line, and the Dockers’ premiership window looks set to remain open for at least five years.
Nevertheless, Switkowski is at peace with his decision to retire.
He will leave behind a forward line in very good shape, with fellow small forwards Isaiah Dudley and Michael Frederick working wonders at the feet of spearheads Patrick Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss.
Switkowski received plenty of cheers at Fremantle’s open session in front of 3000 fans on Wednesday.
And if the Dockers salute on Saturday, you can bet your bottom dollar Switkowski will receive a mighty roar when he receives his premiership medallion on stage.
