‘We’re gonna get there’, say Freo faithful left to wait for their slice of history

As the sun rose over the port city, cleanup crews were collecting rubbish strewn across the street and packing down big barriers and other equipment from the night before.

Supporters who were up early expressed a mix of disappointment in the result but pride for their club’s efforts. 

Fremantle fans have been left heartbroken following a shock seven-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in Saturday’s grand final.

Despite the Dockers leading for most of the game, the Lions were able to claw back a 17-point deficit with just four minutes left in the final term.

Louise Austen said she was proud despite the disappointing result. 

“I’ve actually been penning a letter this morning, in my head, just sort of want to write to the team to say how incredibly proud [we are],” Ms Austen said.

Nearby, Mike Rowe was sharing an early coffee with friends, reflecting on how the match had brought people together.

“I think 99 per cent of the people in that room thought they had it. We’d won,” Mr Rowe said.

But he said the Fremantle community was already wrapping its arms around each other.

“Everybody belongs, and it’s a sense of belonging. It’s fantastic,” he said.

Meanwhile, WA Police confirmed 26 people were arrested in Fremantle yesterday afternoon and evening, with 45 charges laid. 

That included six who were taken into custody after a group assaulted two officers trying to arrest a 25-year-old man around half time.

Roller coaster

In Fremantle, more than 40,000 people took over the Cappuccino Strip and sold out venues across the Port city on Saturday. 

The atmosphere in Fremantle was electric for the first three quarters — at one venue, fans were screaming and jumping on tables.

However, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere as the minutes ticked away late in the game, with many fans visibly distressed as the Lions piled on late goals.

At the siren, collective moans of disappointment echoed throughout Fremantle’s venues. 

At one point, tension led to a physical altercation in the crowd with multiple police and security trying to break up the fight.

One man was escorted away by police, with an ambulance called to attend to a woman seen on the ground.

Devastated fans

Fans were seen holding each other and crying. 

One fan, Layla, said she felt sad but hopeful because of the fight the Dockers put up.

“And then in the last minute, my heart just broke.”

Harry Thorn was also in Fremantle to watch the game. He said it ran in his family to support the Dockers.

“I’m a little bit disappointed that we’ve never won a [grand] final, but we’re gonna get there one year,” he said.

Tayla Bowden was brought to tears when the final siren rang and said she was left devastated and shocked.

She said being a Fremantle supporter was about a balance of hope and despair at the same time.

“We have stuck with them for 32 years and we love them, no matter what. We haven’t got a premiership yet, it’s hard,” she said.

“They’re hard to love and you can’t help but love them at the same time. 

Fremantle’s Cappuccino Strip cleared quickly after the loss, with some devoted fans remaining in the city venues. 

Some of the Fremantle dockers signs had been taken down with rubbish on the streets.

Fremantle’s players and travelling party were due to return to Western Australia today.