When Matthew Pavlich enters Domain Stadium through a 29-fan guard of honour for his 353rd and final game on Sunday afternoon, one man will be particularly overcome by the emotion of the moment.
Harry Price’s thoughts will be of his father, journalist Matt Price, who wrote Way To Go, the first book to chronicle the beginnings of the Fremantle Dockers.
Your guide to Pav's farewell
Matt died in November 2007, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour only two months earlier. He was a political journalist highly regarded by both sides of politics and his death came just one day after Kevin Rudd became Prime Minister.
His son Harry, a life-long Freo fan, recently won a club social media competition to be in the guard of honour and said he saw it as an opportunity to represent his father at Pavlich’s final match.
“It’s fantastic to give a little bit of recognition to dad,” he said.
“He is always thought of, every time we go to the footy, every time we watch the Dockers play.
“It’s fantastic to know the club cares as well.”
Growing up a Freo fan, Harry has many fond memories of watching Pavlich grace the field.
“I think my fondest memory is the Geelong qualifying final in 2013,” he said.
“He had this great spoil where he ran from the middle of the ground and just got a spoil in our back 50.
“He was there when we needed him.”
Harry was three when Pavlich made his debut against Melbourne in round five, 2000 ands says it’s a privilege to have grown up watching the six-time Doig Medallist.
“Watching Pav has truly been an honour,” he said.
“From the good times of six goal hauls to welling up at the MCG during his grand final speech, it has been a wild ride.
“He changed the way I approach footy and I’ll never love a mid or backman like I do a good power forward.”
Harry said his father, who was much loved at The Australian newspaper and widely through the journalistic and political community, would have loved nothing more then to see Freo play in the 2013 grand final.
“Personally, I think there’s two great tragedies in football,” he said.
“One is Pav not winning a premiership and the other is dad not being able to watch the Dockers win one.”
Harry says Pavlich will be greatly missed by the fans and he will leave a lasting legacy.
“There is no way to not love his full-forward style,” he said.
“If I could say anything, it’s thanks for 17 years, thanks Pav.”
