The Fremantle Dockers have welcomed the AFL’s decision to dedicate two of the club’s NAB Challenge games as fundraisers for victims of the recent South West bush fires.

Fremantle’s opening NAB challenge match against Richmond on Friday 19 February at Rushton Park in Mandurah will support the Yarloop community and their relief efforts.

The round two fixture against Adelaide on Sunday 28 February in Mt Barker will focus on the Shire of Esperance and raising much-needed funds following the November 2015 bushfires that claimed the lives of four people

Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said the club had been working closely with the AFL to determine the best way for the Fremantle Dockers and the league to support victims of the Esperance fires, and most recently the Waroona and districts fires, which claimed two lives and destroyed more than 160 properties.

“The fires have had a devastating effect on a lot of people in the South West of the State, many of whom no doubt are involved in football and other sports as players, coaches, volunteers or supporters,” Rosich said.

“Football and sporting people in general are part of the fabric of the community in towns in rural and regional WA and very deserving of whatever assistance the Fremantle Dockers and the AFL can provide when disaster strikes.

“We believe using our NAB Challenge games in Mandurah and Mt Barker as fundraisers provides a great opportunity for Fremantle members and supporters, particularly those in the South West region, to help fellow Western Australians in their time of need,” Rosich said.

“Fremantle members and supporters have previously shown their willingness to help out in these situations and we are confident they will get behind these matches.”

The AFL will provide the local shires of Harvey and Esperance free match tickets to distribute to fire affected victims and volunteers will have a presence on game day, rattling tins for fans to donate directly at the gates.

FREMANTLE’S NAB CHALLENGE BUSHFIRE APPEAL MATCHES

Fremantle v Richmond
Friday 19 February
4.10pm
Rushton Park, Mandurah

Fremantle v Adelaide
Sunday 28 February
1.40pm
Sounness Park, Mt Barker

Tickets for Fremantle's NAB Challenge games will go on sale through Ticketmaster on Monday 2 February.