Fremantle Dockers drawing inspiration from America's Cup as they plot maiden AFL flag

It's hard to imagine an event that would bring more people together in the heart of Fremantle than Australia's America's Cup defence of 1987.

But a first premiership for the Fremantle Dockers would surely give it a run for its money.

Australia's win in the 1983 America's Cup, ending a US stranglehold on the yachting holy grail that had lasted more than 100 years, is a moment etched in national folklore.

Fremantle hosted Australia's America's Cup defence in 1987. (Supplied: State Library of Western Australia)

That victory was the ultimate sporting drought breaker, and it's a theme the Dockers are looking to borrow from as they look to land the club a historic first flag.

Coach Justin Longmuir revealed the theme "bringing something special back to Freo" had been a driver for the club this year during an interview on radio station, SEN.

Last week, the Dockers took a trip to the WA Maritime Museum to visit Australia II, the vessel that delivered skipper John Bertrand the America's Cup.

Australia II, with its famed winged keel, is on display at the WA Maritime Museum. (Flickr: Ken Hodge)

The idea was the brainchild of assistant coach Jaymie Graham.

Dashing defender Jordan Clark says the side had bought into the magic of that occasion as it geared up for an elimination final against Gold Coast on Saturday night.

"It's been a focus all year," he said.

Even when it all looked like going wrong for Freo, Longmuir was resolute Photo shows Justin Longmuir smiles and gestures with his hands outstretched. He has been on the receiving end of plenty of criticism this season, but Justin Longmuir's Fremantle side has 16 wins and a berth in the AFL finals.

"I think it's pretty much the first bit of silverware that was brought back to Freo, and how big it was for the Freo community.

"It gives me a bit of a glimmer of what our club [can achieve] and what we can achieve actually means for our Freo public as well.

"It's a feel-good story.

"They were down 3-1 in a [best-of-seven series]. They came back and won 4-3, so you're never truly down and out if you believe so."

Unassuming hero

Clark has enjoyed his best season in the AFL, culminating in his first All-Australian blazer last week.

But the unassuming defender is not letting success go to his head.

"To be honest, it's no different [being All Australian] — I still woke up in the same house with the same mates, went to the same pub on Saturday," Clark said.

Jordan Clark (middle row, third from right) says it was surreal being named in the All-Australian team. (X: AFL Photos/Michael Willson)

"It hasn't changed my life or anything like that.

"I haven't done a whole lot of reflecting.

"The only thinking I sort of did was on the night, looking around going 'how am I even here?'

" These blokes are around me are so much better than me. "

Clark feels the Dockers' togetherness is what will give them the edge as they progress through a difficult finals campaign.

Fremantle defender Jordan Clark believes season 2025 is wide open as the Dockers prepare for an elimination final against Gold Coast. (ABC News: Greig Johnston)

"I just feel like it's a very tight-knit club," Clark said.

"We've ridden the waves a bit, we've had some shocking losses, had some great wins.

"We win and lose together and I think that's what makes us pretty strong."

Dockers a 'live chance'

Clark said the club will need to be at their best to defeat Gold Coast, which is playing its first final in the club's 15-year history.

"You never get 120 minutes of the game on your terms," he said.

Jordan Clark is confident Fremantle can beat anyone on their day. (AAP Image: Rob Prezioso)

"I do feel like Gold Coast will, at some stages, have momentum this week.

"But if we play the way we want to play, and we know what works for us, I think we'll be very competitive."

Serong battles through the tags to stamp credentials Photo shows Fremantle Dockers player Caleb Serong holds the football during a game. Caleb Serong has copped plenty of extra attention in 2025 but, thanks to the meditative power of LEGO, he's been able to stay at the very top of the game.

And should they beat the Suns, Clark does not doubt the club has the mettle to go all the way and make history.

"We just take it in our stride, we have a lot of fun, we're quite youthful," he said.

"I truly believe any team can win any game if you rock up and play the right way.

"The final eight teams now, every single one of them is a live chance.

" We're a group that believes so heavily in ourselves and we're going to give ourselves every chance, no bones about that. "

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