Fremantle Dockers Defeat Despite ‘Wharfie Time’

Fremantle Dockers lost the 2026 AFL Grand Final to Brisbane Lions after a late surge, despite the club’s fan chant ‘Wharfie Time’ being activated with just over four minutes left. Football boss Joe Brierty defended the chant’s future use, citing its emotional impact on supporters. The Lions’ comeba…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:06:20 GMT

The 2026 Australian Football League Grand Final ended in a stunning reversal for the Brisbane Lions, who overcame a 17‑point advantage held by the Fremantle Dockers with just 4 minutes and 18 seconds remaining. The Dockers’ supporters, however, celebrated the activation of the club’s signature fan chant, "Wharfie Time," which had been in use only three times that season and was first played outside Perth.

What Happened at the MCG

At the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Dockers were on the brink of their first premiership when the Lions struck back with four consecutive goals. Patrick Voss, the Dockers’ key forward, had appeared to seal the match with a third goal that pushed the score to a 17‑point margin. Yet the Lions’ star Will Ashcroft and teammates capitalised on the energy generated by the chant, turning the tide in the final quarter.

After the Dockers’ captain, Alex Pearce, suffered an Achilles injury and was forced off the field, the Lions gained momentum. Logan Morris, a forward for Brisbane, kicked three goals in the closing minutes, securing a victory that made him only the second player in the 21st century to win a premiership after trailing at three‑quarter time.

‘Wharfie Time’ and Its Significance

"Wharfie Time" is a chant that has become synonymous with Fremantle’s fan culture. The phrase, referencing the city’s historic port, is played when the team is in a position to win, intended to rally supporters and create a charged atmosphere. The Dockers’ use of the chant in 2026 was the third time it had been activated that season and the first time it was played outside the club’s home city.

Despite the chant’s failure to prevent a loss, Joe Brierty, Fremantle’s football boss, defended its future use. Speaking at Melbourne Airport after the game, Brierty said, "I’m sure it will live on. It’s a fan activation for our club. Obviously, Brisbane have their songs. There’s obviously a lot of theatre behind it, but whatever’s talked about it doesn’t impact the result of the game from a football perspective."

Reactions from Players and Officials

Brisbane Lions’ Will Ashcroft acknowledged the chant’s influence, stating, "I think ‘Wharfie Time’ spurred us on a bit there. We knew it was coming at some point. We just wanted to harness it and turn it into energy for us." The Lions’ victory was celebrated as a testament to resilience and the ability to turn pressure into performance.

Joe Brierty reflected on the loss, noting that the club had "some aspects of the game that we didn’t get quite right" and that the Lions’ quality side had taken advantage. He added, "We’re a young group and we know that we’ve got plenty of improvement left in us and we’ll make sure that we’re reflecting at the right time to take all the learnings, and we get better going into next year."

What Lies Ahead for Fremantle

The Dockers’ coaching staff and players are now focused on rebuilding and learning from the experience. The club’s youth development program will be scrutinised, and strategies to maintain composure under pressure will be prioritised. While the loss was a setback, the club’s leadership remains optimistic about future seasons and the continued use of "Wharfie Time" as a rallying cry.

In the broader AFL context, the Lions’ win marks the club’s third premiership in four years, solidifying their status as a dominant force in the league. The Dockers, meanwhile, will aim to return to the grand final stage in 2027, leveraging the lessons learned from this dramatic defeat.

Key facts

Fremantle lost the 2026 AFL Grand Final after a late Lions comeback
"Wharfie Time" was activated with 4:18 remaining
Will Ashcroft credited the chant for energising the Lions
Joe Brierty defended the chant’s future use
Fremantle will focus on learning and improvement for the next season

Why it matters

The match highlighted how fan culture can influence team performance, while also underscoring the importance of resilience and strategic focus in high‑stakes games.