‘Stop treating Fremantle as a basket case’: Why comparisons with West Coast hurts the Dockers’ legacy
“Fremantle is a middle-of-the-road club. Stop treating Fremantle as a basket case.”
That’s the message from Mark Duffield to Dockers supporters on today’s Duff and Quarters Podcast, with The West Australian’s chief footy writer imploring fans to better appreciate the club’s place in the AFL landscape.
Comparisons between cross-town rivals come hard and fast between West Coast and Fremantle fans, but while the accolades on and off the field stack in the Eagles’ favour, are footy fans degrading the Dockers’ achievements since their 1995 inception?
The Eagles have won four flags, have the most post-season appearances since the AFL began, and boast close to twice the membership number of Freo, while the Dockers have now the third-longest premiership drought (27 years).
Duffield argued that Dockers supporters would be better served accepting their club’s place in the AFL pecking order and championing what they have achieved despite some clear disadvantages.
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“West Coast are a giant, Fremantle is a middle-of-the-road club. Stop treating Fremantle as a basket case. If you’re a Fremantle supporter, understand what you are and that will help your club,” Duffield said.
“Since David Mundy started playing he has played in more wins than losses, David Mundy has been in the system for 17 years. If you have been a Freo supporter over those 17 years, every time David Mundy has taken the field you’re more likely to win than lose. That is not a basket case.
“No you didn’t win a flag, you kicked badly on grand final day and lost (in 2013). You made another preliminary final (2015 v Hawthorn) and your Brownlow Medallist broke his leg, your captain tore a calf and your All-Australian defender didn’t even play in the game due to injury. These things happen.
“I have no problem with West Coast getting kudos. I have a problem with the ongoing treatment of Fremantle as a basket case.”
To listen to the full Duff and Quarters Podcast follow the link here
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