We love Sir Doug Nicholls Round at Fremantle, and we are very excited for what’s in store for Sunday evening’s clash against the Western Bulldogs.
As the game will be a Quarantine Restricted Match, due to the participation of the Western Bulldogs players coming over from Victoria, some things will run slightly differently to a normal game. Read below about what to expect!
Pre-game Welcome To Country performance
We strongly recommend you be in your seats by 4.10pm if you want to take everything in this Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Due to the restrictions on the day, on-field performances can only happen when players and officials are not present on the ground, which is why our pre-game ceremony will start earlier than normal.
Player entry
After the performers leave the field, our players will enter the ground, led by Michael Walters, Nathan Wilson and Liam Henry, who will present a gift to the Western Bulldogs players.
On stage Welcome to Country
With the players on the ground, our pre-game ceremony will move to a stage on Level 5, where Richard Walley will do a Welcome To Country, to welcome the Western Bulldogs players to Noongar land.
A VERY special treat at half time
Thanks to Indigenous program partner Woodside, we are incredibly proud to have a special performance telling the story of the Wagyl (rainbow serpent) at half time.
The Wagyl is the significant creation and Dreaming story for Whadjuk, Noongar Peoples. The Wagyl is seen as the giver of life, lore and culture and maintains fresh water sources.
With the help of Optus Stadium’s spectacular light and sound system, 30 local performers will tell the creation and Dreaming story with a 35 metre LED lit serpent.
The Wagyl has a strong connection to Walyalup (Fremantle) with the mouth of the Swan River being the place where the Wagyl fought the Crocodile spirit and used the crocodile’s tail to separate the fresh water from salt water.
Furthermore, the Wagyl has ties to the club’s 2021 Indigenous guernsey with the hills and valleys of the Darling Scarp representing Wagyl’s body with the guernsey also featuring some of the lakes around Beeliar he created and rested in.
Through the Wagyl’s journey he created the water ways, most notably the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) on which Optus Stadium is situated. The Matagarup Bridge arches can also be interpreted as representing the Wagyl, who rested in the Derbal Yerrigan as he journeyed through this land.
What else is different?
Due to the restrictions, there will unfortunately be no banner, no guard of honour or Auskick at half time. The half time performance of the Wagyl was only made possible after seeking special permission.
Remember, be there by 4.10pm before bouncedown at 4.40pm!
