The Fremantle Dockers recently welcomed one of their long-time partner clubs, the Lake Macquarie Dockers from New South Wales, for an unforgettable weekend in Western Australia, highlighted by the team's Round 2 curtain-raiser match ahead of Freo’s meeting with the Swans.
After a six-year gap due to challenges like COVID-19, the trip marked a special reunion for the Lake Macquarie Dockers with their WA counterparts.
“We’ve been really lucky and have absolutely loved the experience, and we can’t thank Fremantle enough,” Lake Macquarie coach Brad Farrell said, reflecting on the weekend.
“As a club, we always go to Fremantle’s games in Sydney and we always celebrate when they’re over there.
“But being over here in the stadium and amongst all the other passionate Freo fans, it’s a whole new kettle of fish.”
This self-funded trip, featuring a playing squad of 21 players and a total touring party of 56, showcased the enduring connection between Fremantle and one of their partner clubs, celebrating their shared love for footy.
The Lake Macquarie Dockers kicked off their WA adventure last Friday with a tour of the club’s elite training facilities. The players and supporters were given a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Fremantle Football Club.
"I think it was about 14 years ago we were very lucky to become a family partner club of Fremantle,” Farrell said.
“This is our fourth time coming to WA, and every trip has been an amazing experience."
The group also took part in a light training session to shake off travel fatigue before diving into a packed schedule.
On Saturday, the team attended Fremantle’s Captain’s Run at Optus Stadium. In a special gesture, five parents who had contributed significantly to fundraising efforts were rewarded with the opportunity to join this exclusive event, giving the Lake Macquarie players and parents an opportunity to meet and greet some of Fremantle’s best.
Later that day, the group watched a WAFL pre-season match between Peel Thunder and the West Coast Eagles, with Nat Fyfe’s appearance a highlight for several of the players.
“Some of the boys are really excited to watch Nat Fyfe play,” Farrell said.
“He (Fyfe) actually sent us a message a few years ago when this team was in a grand final. He sent a video message just wishing us all the best, and the boys really loved it and felt inspired as we went on to win the grand final.”
Sunday was the pinnacle of their visit, with the curtain-raiser being an opportunity for many players to step onto the same turf as their AFL heroes - a dream come true.
"I was on the first trip over (to WA) with my son when he was just four years old. He’s now playing on Sunday,” Farrell said.
“On top of the players just wanting to come across, we’ve actually got some mad Fremantle supporters with us as well, who just absolutely live and breathe it.
“They (the players) are bubbling with excitement. They just can’t wait to play on the ground, but then also sit in the stands and watch the game in a different state.”
To conclude the proceedings, Lake Macquarie participated in forming the guard of honour alongside WA-based partner clubs Ellenbrook, Fremantle City, and Secret Harbour, as Fremantle took centre stage on Sunday afternoon.
The Lake Macquarie Dockers’ relationship with Fremantle is more than just football - it’s about community and shared values. Over the years, this partnership has provided opportunities for junior players and coaches to grow through training experiences and trips like this one.
Fremantle’s commitment to community football continues, with the club recently signing with two international clubs: the Shanghai Dockers of China and the Bayonne Dockers of France.
