Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
A 104-year-old Dockers fan has delivered her verdict on Fremantle’s premiership chances — and she has no doubt the boys to go all the way.
Now believed to be WA’s oldest Dockers fan, Mt Lawley resident Maria Sakalo is convinced 2026 will finally be the year.
“I think the boys have what it takes to go all the way,” she said.
And if Fremantle does make it to the grand final?
“It would mean everything. I’ve waited a long time, and I’d love nothing more than to see the Dockers win a premiership in my lifetime,” she said.
Ms Sakalo’s message to Justin Longmuir’s side is simple: “Bring it home for this old girl. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.”
The Juniper Riverslea resident began following the Dockers after her eldest daughter, Alla Donaldson, converted her to the purple army.
While many Fremantle fans have spent decades wondering if they’ll even see a premiership, Ms Sakalo has never lost faith.
“It’s been frustrating, but I’ve never stopped believing,” she said.
Although Australian Rules football didn’t exist where she grew up in Ukraine and Belarus, Ms Sakalo fell in love with the game after arriving in WA in 1950.
The family’s first Australian home was a tiny one-bedroom apartment on Marine Terrace in Fremantle after fleeing war-torn Europe.
“My husband and I lived there with our two children while we began rebuilding our lives in WA,” she said.
“Fremantle was our first home here, so I have always felt a strong connection to the port city. Supporting the Dockers just felt right.”
Her all-time favourite player is Stephen Hill, with current spearhead Josh Treacy also a favourite.
“One of my favourite memories was in 2013 when Fremantle played Geelong and Stephen Hill took the ball from Aaron Sandilands before kicking a brilliant goal,” she said.
If the Dockers reach this year’s grand final, Ms Sakalo won’t be heading to the MCG.
Instead, she’ll be surrounded by friends at Riverslea.
“I’ve lived here for four years and every week a group of us ladies get together to watch the Dockers,” she said.
“We cheer, we yell at the TV and we celebrate every win together.”
And she already has her tip for the Norm Smith Medal.
“Luke Jackson,” she said without hesitation.
For Ms Donaldson, watching her mum experience a Fremantle premiership would be unforgettable.
“It would mean everything,” she said.
“Mum is 104 and she’s still as passionate as ever. To share that moment together would be something our family would never forget.”
Youngest daughter Lilian Sakalo is equally optimistic.
“Come on Dockers, it is time you won the premiership,” she said.
She said sharing a grand final with her mother would be “absolutely precious”.
“It would be a lot of fun just being together on this very special occasion,” she said.
If the Dockers finally break through, Ms Sakalo believes the celebrations will be well deserved.
“This would be so exciting. A dream come true for a WA team to win a game such as this,” Ms Sakalo said.
“The effort and commitment everyone puts in to this season is best rewarded by winning the premiership.”
