Purple haze and Friday lights: How Fremantle reclaimed their mojo and kept the dream alive

They’ve risen to the occasion, becoming box office, must-watch viewing.

Eight games, five at home, with an average of more than 55,000 fans in the west.

Most importantly, they’ve won them all. And what they’ve created is more than a footy match, it’s festival-like.

Friday night’s semi-final victory over Geelong was the perfect farewell to Optus Stadium in season 2026.

A total of 59,725 - Fremantle’s greatest home crowd in history - turned out, mainly in nervous anticipation, to see if the minor premiers could stand up in the post-season when it matters most after starting their finals campaign with a flop.

And it was evident early, this was an entirely different Dockers from the one who barely showed up eight days prior against Hawthorn.

Their stars were back and providing the goods.

Shai Bolton kicked the game’s opening two goals inside the first two minutes.

Patrick Voss rediscovered his mojo as Fremantle slammed on six goals to the Cats two.

Hayden Young bursting clear from centre clearance to kick a long-range goal.

It set the tone and the crowd jumped on board.

They were bursting with pride and passion as the reliable and ruthless Dockers of 2026 had returned.

Up against September specialists Geelong, they were always going to be tested.

And the test came in the third term, the Cats piling on five quick goals to take the lead, leaving the Dockers’ pathway to a maiden premiership under threat.

But the final three minutes of the term, where Fremantle slammed on four goals to wrestle back momentum, was decisive.

They could have rolled over, folding again under pressure.

Instead, led by the freakish talents of Luke Jackson, they steadied, regrouped and then went on to keep their season and a crack at history alive.

Throw in a last minute “Wharfie Time” war-cry activation, and the purple army was in full voice.

The long-suffering supporter base knew exactly how significant this victory was.

Tension, which had been heightened following their qualifying final horror show, was released.

The relief was palpable - a sense of joy and freedom.

Endless hugs, fist pumps, high-fives, embracing friends and strangers - many were delirious.

They were dancing in the aisles, scenes reminiscent of a rave.

This was a vibe.

It wasn’t too dissimilar to the last time they met Sydney, when they put a goalless first half behind them - slamming on an incredible 100 points in the second half - to beat the Swans by 38 points.

Fremantle have now earned the chance at a preliminary final, their first since 2015.

They will head on the road with renewed confidence.

And they won’t be daunted by the SCG assignment which awaits.

After all, Friday nights have been Fremantle’s playground in 2026.

Paddy Sweeney is a Nine News Perth sports presenter and journalist.