Source : ABC NEWS
Fremantle fans have been left heartbroken following a shock seven-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in Saturday’s grand final.
Despite the Dockers leading for most of the game, the Lions were able to claw back a 17-point deficit with just four minutes left in the final term.
In Fremantle, more than 40,000 people took over the Cappuccino Strip and sold out venues across the Port city.
The atmosphere in Fremantle was electric for the first three quarters — at one venue, fans were screaming and jumping on tables.
However, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere as the minutes ticked away late in the game, with many fans visibly distressed as the Lions piled on late goals.
Fremantle fans knew their long wait would continue as Logan Morris sealed the game for the Lions. (ABC News: Briana Shepherd)
At the siren, collective moans of disappointment echoed throughout Fremantle’s venues.
At one point, tension led to a physical altercation in the crowd with multiple police and security trying to break up the fight.
One man was escorted away by police, with an ambulance called to attend to a woman seen on the ground.
Devastated fans
Fans were seen holding each other and crying.
It wasn’t a happy end to the carnival atmosphere that saw huge crowds spill onto the streets of Fremantle to cheer their beloved Dockers on. (ABC News: Pip Waller)
One fan, Layla, said she felt sad but hopeful because of the fight the Dockers put up.
“I genuinely thought we had it,”
she said.
“And then in the last minute, my heart just broke.”
Harry Thorn (right) says he’s disappointed but stays faithful. (ABC News: Pip Waller)
Harry Thorn was also in Fremantle to watch the game. He said it ran in his family to support the Dockers.
“I’m a little bit disappointed that we’ve never won a [grand] final, but we’re gonna get there one year,” he said.
“And then we’ll get our own three-peat.“
Tayla Bowden was brought to tears when the final siren rang and said she was left devastated and shocked.
Tayla Bowden (left) says she was left shocked and Chelsea Bowden (right). (ABC News: Pip Waller)
She said being a Fremantle supporter was about a balance of hope and despair at the same time.
“We have stuck with them for 32 years and we love them, no matter what. We haven’t got a premiership yet, it’s hard,” she said.
“They’re hard to love and you can’t help but love them at the same time. The culture is the biggest thing.
“What is not to love about them?“
Fremantle’s Cappuccino Strip cleared quickly after the loss, with some devoted fans remaining in the city venues.
Fremantle Dockers’s signs had been taken down. (ABC News: Pip Waller)
Some of the Fremantle dockers signs had been taken down with rubbish on the streets.
Fremantle’s players and travelling party were due to return to Western Australia today.
