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The article discusses "Wharfie Time," a fan activation where AC/DC's "Hell’s Bells" is played during crucial moments of Fremantle Dockers matches, which gained national attention and was approved for use in the 2026 AFL Grand Final. Despite its intended effect to energize fans and players, it backfired when playing against Brisbane Lions, leading to Fremantle's loss despite a strong performance. The article explores the mixed reactions from fans regarding whether "Wharfie Time" contributed to their defeat or was merely symbolic of the club’s long history of disappointment in grand finals.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-09-28,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Wharfie Time, a fan activation where AC/DC's "Hell's Bells" plays to energize the Fremantle Dockers supporters and players, became a significant fixture in the team’s season. The practice gained widespread attention after helping the Dockers secure victories, including an impressive comeback win over Hawthorn earlier in the season and a semi-final triumph against Geelong at Optus Stadium. In Grand Final week, despite initial uncertainty from the AFL about its use during such a crucial match, it was ultimately approved due to positive crowd engagement. However, when the bell rang out around the MCG on Saturday afternoon, just as Fremantle seemed set to win their first premiership with 17 points lead and four minutes remaining, an unexpected turn of events occurred that left many stunned.
Written for “Bells Stop Ringing Freo” on 2026-10-05,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
It’s the Dockers fan activation which made national headlines throughout the season.
asserted
which → ’ → season
The ringing of AC/DC’s iconic ‘Hell’s Bells’ blasting out around the stadium, in a bid to energise the Fremantle faithful, providing an edge to their players late in close matches.
asserted
ringing → blast → matches
It proved a hit in their come-from-behind victory over Hawthorn earlier in the season and sent Optus Stadium bonkers in their semi-final triumph against Geelong.
For months it was the talk of Perth as the push for the first purple premiership gained a wave of momentum.
asserted
push → prove → momentum
And yet again it was the focus, this time in Grand Final week, as the AFL gave consideration into whether or not it would be approved for use on the season’s biggest day.
asserted
it → give → day
After days of discussions, it was approved - the league’s reasoning - due to positive crowd engagement.
asserted
it → approve → engagement
When it rang out around the MCG on Saturday afternoon, Fremantle seemed destined to lift their first cup.
asserted
Fremantle → ring → cup
The Dockers were four minutes away from immortality - 17 points up after Pat Voss kicked his third goal.
asserted
Voss → kick → goal
This was their time.
But the very war cry aimed to lift Fremantle, had the opposite effect - leaving purple fans in tears.
asserted
cry → aim → tears
Intended to intimidate, the fan activation instead inspired Brisbane - propelling them to their second three-peat in the most remarkable fashion.
asserted
activation → intend → fashion
Decades of despair and disappointment which were set to be washed away, has only been added to.
asserted
which → set → despair
A history of heartbreak now standing at 32 years and counting.
asserted
history → stand → years
The scenes post-game summed it up.
asserted
scenes → sum → it
Outside the ground many were in shock, stunned at what they had just witnessed and struggling to grapple with what had just unfolded.
asserted
what → stun → what
The Fremantle players, coaching and staff will no doubt be the same for days, weeks and months, desperately seeking answers.
asserted
players → seek → answers
They weren’t overawed, they played so good for so long.
asserted
they → play → ?
But that’s what will also make the defeat so hard to comprehend.
asserted
defeat → ’ → ?
They didn’t lose it, the Lions won it.
asserted
Lions → lose → it
Fans are divided - some saying it cost Fremantle its first flag, others sticking fat.
asserted
others → divide → flag
The Docker diehards have been taken on a wild ride in 2026.
asserted
diehards → take → 2026
They turned up when it counted most, making Melbourne purple in grand final week.
asserted
Melbourne → turn → week
Pubs, public transport and the streets had Fremantle colours everywhere you looked.
asserted
you → have → colours
Resilience has long been a characteristic of the Fremantle Football Club.
The club and fanbase will again need to draw upon this in a bid to return to the last Saturday in September.
asserted
club → need → September
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