In 1996 Joan Dodge and Gavin Mackin signed their nephew Andrew up to become a member of the Fremantle Dockers.

Seventeen years on and Andrew has not missed a season.

“When I was four my aunty and uncle signed me up to become a member, before that my dad tried to get me into West Coast colours,” Andrew said.

“According to him my first jumper was a West Coast one, but as far as I can remember I have always been a Freo fan, so clearly he’s lost that battle.”

Apart from the excitement of a win, Andrew said going to the footy provided a good reason to spend time with his family and catch up with his mates.

“It’s good that we all have a common interest in footy, we all go to the game and hang out and have some quality bonding time,” he said.

“Now the team is experiencing some more wins and edging closer to a premiership, it’s getting a lot more exciting”

“The more they win, the better it is!”

Andrew also has a bit of a Derby tradition and is already gearing up for round 1.

When he was in Bali a few years ago he decided to get a purple suit made.

“I was flicking through one of the magazines and saw a purple one,” he said.

“I knew straight away I would need it and it would become my ‘Derby Suit’.

“I even went back to Bali after the team changed their jumper to make sure my suit was updated too.

“I haven’t missed a Derby in that suit for years, it’s all ready to go for round 1 next year.”

“I can’t wait to put it on.”