Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
The Purple Army has taken over Melbourne, with thousands of Freo fans – including a very excited Rove McManus – marching to the MCG and making their presence felt on grand final day.
It was a carnival-like atmosphere as chants led by a drummer empowered the Dockers supporters in their march from Federation Square to the ‘G, but nothing was as loud or parochial as the “Freo” chant.
Chants of “Never Miss”, “Who let the Dogga Out”, “USA USA” and even a cheeky on about West Coast’s Harley Reid filled the air as the excitement around the game began to hit fever-pitch.
Not even the persistent rain which fell could dampen the spirits of the fans who were more optimistic than nervous ahead of the blockbuster game against Brisbane at the MCG.
Among the fans was Rove – cousin of Freo’s premiership cup presenter Shaun – who couldn’t contain his pre-game excitement.
“Are we ready for Wharfie Time at the ‘G?!” McManus told The West Australian.
Rove McManus is fired up for the decider on grand final morning!
“We’re going to be raising that cup aloft.
“Flagmantle… it’s so close. Here we go, Dockers!”
Drummer Tony Carroll had painted his beard purple and was the hype man for the crowd who was at fever pitch.
“The feeling is apprehensive but awesome. We’ve been here for the week and it’s been a great week,” he told The West Australian.
“It’s just been amazing. Watching the purple tide come in from Wednesday is just insane.
“We’re here to enjoy one of our greatest games ever. We’re going to win this time and start a dynasty. Our own three-peat.”
Fremantle resident and life-long fan Nick Azzollini was on the charter flight with his son and was pumped to be part of the festivities.
“This means everything mate. One win like this, icing on the cake,” he said.
“We’re all positive. We’ve got a team that’s there ready to take it off the old guys definitely.
“He (my Dad) said to be he was never going to see them win a grand final and he was right. This is for him, we’re going to take it home for my old man.”
Even outside of the MCG, for every fan wearing the maroon, yellow and blue there was seemingly three more dressed in purple as the Dockers fans easily outnumbered those who were there to support Brisbane.
It comes after 22,000 fans turned out to the MCG on Friday afternoon for the Dockers’ captains run ahead of the decider.
Fans have crossed the nullarbor in droves either by car, train or plane to watch their side chase glory, with purple dominating Melbourne for days.
You could not walk into a cafe, pub or a shopping centre without seeing the smiling Dockers fans who are ecstatic just to see their club back in the decider for the first time since 2013.
