Arabic version: فريمانتل تستعد لحشود نهائي دوكرز الكبير

According to ABC News, Fremantle is preparing for about 40,000 fans to fill its streets and venues as the Dockers face the Brisbane Lions in the AFL grand final on Saturday. It will be the club’s first grand final in 13 years, with the game scheduled to begin at 12:30 WA time.

The port city’s Cappuccino Strip has been decorated in purple, with steamers, balloons and jerseys visible in shop windows. Businesses are selling purple-themed items including beer, cannoli and sausages, while public buses have changed their displays to say “Wharfie Time”, one of the club’s catch phrases.

Fremantle resident Paula Nelson and her family spent half a day painting a giant purple anchor on their front lawn. Nelson also painted an anchor in 2013, when the Dockers lost the grand final to the Hawks. “Everyone’s really behind it,” she said, adding that she hoped local players would see the support.

About 10,000 people are expected at a licensed event at Fremantle Oval, while pubs and cafes are expected to be full from breakfast. Fans without seats are expected to gather at LED screens on the Cappuccino Strip, Walyalup Koort, Esplanade Reserve and the corner of Market and High Streets.

WA Police will deploy dozens of officers on motorbikes and horses, as well as dogs and riot gear. Fremantle District Superintendent Dean Snashall said police would not tolerate a repeat of supporters climbing onto shop roofs after the preliminary final, but said officers were “not the fun police”. Public transport will be free across the network, while roads from Norfolk Street to Fremantle Train Station will be closed.