Before Jeff Farmer was named in the forward pocket of Freo’s 25 since ’95 team, the favourite Fremantle son joined Duck and Oz for a bonus interview on The Purple Patch podcast.
Farmer told of the story behind his goal celebration antics in a once-off exhibition match between Fremantle and West Coast at The Oval in London in 2005.
Fremantle won by 17 points in front of a 19,000-strong London crowd that day, with a fiery third term melee included.
Farmer booted four goals for Freo but it was the celebration of his final goal that saw excitement get the better of him.
“It seemed to be a competition between Fremantle and West Coast on who could do the best goal celebration,” Farmer said.
“I don’t know what happened, but I think it was the excitement in the end that got me.
“I ended up snapping a goal from the boundary and next thing you know I’m on the other side of the fence cheering and clapping and carrying on.
“I wasn’t too far away from some West Coast supporters either.
“But it was great to be able to showcase our game overseas.”
Throughout his 249-game, 483-goal career, Farmer was loved by Fremantle and opposition fans alike for his captivating skills on the field.
“At the end of the day I wanted to be footballer and an entertainer,” Farmer said.
“I fed off the crowd and loved to entertain and the fans in particular embraced me.
“There was always plenty of love to go around.”
Hailing from Tambellup in WA’s Great Southern region, Farmer still remembers the days he used to play alongside his own father before he shot to the AFL ranks.
“I’m a bit biased but I was very fortunate as a young kid to be able to play with my dad,” Farmer said.
“He was a versatile type player, but he was also Mr. Reliable.
“He had the chance to go up and play in the big smoke, but he chose to stay home in Tambellup.”
Catch up on the latest episode of The Purple Patch below as Duck and Oz preview RAC Derby 50 when Fremantle take on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
