The City of Fremantle is throwing its support behind the Fremantle Dockers, as the club heads into the 2026 AFL Finals Series, by turning the city purple and holding a community celebration should the Dockers make their first Grand Final appearance in more than a decade.
From today, key locations in the city centre, including the Cappuccino Strip, High Street, Walyalup Koort and Newman Court are decorated in purple as the city rallies behind its home team and celebrates the excitement of finals football.
Bunting, balcony banners, tree wraps and pole wraps have been hung, and local businesses are battling it out for best window display bragging rights.
Should the Fremantle Dockers secure a place in the 2026 AFL Grand Final (and subject to Council approval on 26 August), the City has plans for a major live site on the Cappuccino Strip, giving fans the opportunity to gather in the heart of Fremantle to watch the game on large screens while supporting local businesses.
Restaurants, cafés and traders across Fremantle and along the iconic strip will be encouraged to activate for the event, creating a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere for supporters of all ages.
To support local participation, the City will waive hire and application fees for businesses seeking to activate on Grand Final day. Statutory fees and charges, where applicable, will continue to apply.
The City will also promote all approved watch parties at hospitality venues and community activations in the lead-up to the Grand Final on Saturday 26 September through the Visit Fremantle website: visitfremantle.com.au/dockers-mania
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said finals football presented a unique opportunity to celebrate Fremantle’s identity and community spirit.
“The Fremantle Dockers are an integral part of our city’s story and we’re incredibly proud to stand behind them as they chase premiership glory.
“Turning Fremantle purple is a visible show of support for the club, its players, members and fans, but it’s also about bringing our community together and creating an atmosphere that reflects the pride we all feel in our home-town team.
“And if the Dockers make it to the Grand Final, there would be no better place to watch the game than in the heart of Fremantle. The proposed live site on the Cappuccino Strip would give fans, families and visitors the opportunity to share in a truly memorable community experience while supporting local businesses.”
Fremantle Chamber of Commerce CEO Chrissie Maus said Fremantle’s blood runs purple, and this is the time to really show it.
“This is Fremantle’s moment to turn the volume up and the whole city purple. When Freo gets behind something, we don’t tend to do it quietly and nor should we! We want every shopfront, café, bar and business to bring the colour, creativity and glorious Freo personality we’re famous for.
“The Purple Freo Display Showdown is about more than footy. It’s about creating energy on our streets, supporting local businesses and showing the country what hometown pride looks like in a Port City that absolutely knows how to put on a show!! Bring on the purple.”
WA Football Chief Executive Officer Brad Wira said the Dockers’ finals campaign was already inspiring communities across the state.
“The importance of football lies in its unique ability to bring communities together, and the excitement surrounding the Dockers’ finals campaign is being felt across clubs, schools and communities throughout Western Australia.
“The opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their team highlights the positive role football plays in connecting people and creating a sense of belonging.”
