Fremantle in Australia decked out in purple ahead of AFL grand final — ABC News Australia

In the Australian city of Fremantle, ahead of the Australian Football League (AFL) grand final, in which the local team Fremantle Dockers will play, central streets have been filled with purple flags, signs and fans wearing scarves in the club’s colours.

Mural and purple treats

As ABC News Australia reports, artist Jerome Davenport created a large mural in honour of the Dockers on the facade of Sailing for Oranges in four days. He said he hopes the work will inspire city residents and the team’s players.

Local businesses have also joined the preparations: purple cannoli, ice cream, beer, hot dogs and sausages have gone on sale. One school temporarily renamed itself Fremantle Dockers College and allowed students to come dressed in purple in exchange for a donation to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, one of the charities chosen by the team.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Match viewing for fans

Screens for communal viewing of the grand final have been installed at several locations in Fremantle. About 40,000 people are expected to attend the event. Roads in the city centre have been closed, and public transport will be free on match day.

School principal Stan Koyos described the atmosphere in Fremantle as very energetic. Local residents say they have watched the club develop for years and consider the Dockers winners regardless of the grand final result.