After a soul-searching week, Fremantle fans have allowed themselves to dream again with the lid firmly off after the Dockers pulled off one of the great finals victories.
Following a Hawthorn humbling, there were plenty of nerves ahead of their semifinal clash, which Shai Bolton helped settle with two goals inside the first 70 seconds.
But Geelong were never going to roll over as they came back at several points throughout the night and even threatened to steal the win before a Luke Jackson masterclass, and some help from Wharfie Time, got the Dockers over the line in a thrilling 14-point win.
For fans who would have copped plenty throughout the week, particularly from rival West Coast fans, it was a time to return serve.
“You all said straight sets, you said straight sets all you haters what happened, look at what happened?!” one said.
“FLAGMANTLEEEEEEEE,” was also a common shout amongst the record 59,725-strong crowd.
Having been largely anonymous last week, Pat Voss reclaimed his cult hero status by firing up both the team and the crowd with four goals, including the sealer in the final moments.
“Prancing pony pranced all over them,” one man said. “I love you soo much, Vossy, don’t tell my boyfriend,” was another.
Friday’s semifinal also saw the Dockers hit Wharfie Time for just the second time this season after Stewart had kicked a late goal to bring the margin back to eight points.
It saw the crowd go wild as Fremantle lifted to win the next centre clearance and seal the game.
“I don’t go for either of these teams but Wharfie Time is the best thing I’ve ever seen,” was the estimation by one fan.
Attention now turns to Sydney, who the Dockers will face for the third time in a preliminary final have previously met in 2006 and 2013.
Fremantle are the favourites heading into the clash, with the Freo faithful having no doubts over how they will perform.
“Sydney we’re coming,” one said, “Vamos al SCG Sydney Smash the Swans,” was one cry.
Others are already looking behind next week, with a small group chanting “MCG, MCG, MCG.”
