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Thousands of Fremantle Dockers supporters are making a costly journey to Melbourne for Saturday's AFL grand final. Despite high fuel costs and soaring airfares, fans have chosen the 3,329km road trip from Perth. The Dockers are chasing their first AFL premiership since 1995 against Brisbane Lions, with the match scheduled for 12:30pm AWST on Saturday.
The "purple army" is making the long drive across the Nullarbor to witness history. Former Fremantle player Hayden Ballantyne, who played in the club's only previous grand final in 2013, is among those driving the long way. Ballantyne said, "This grand final will definitely be a different experience as a supporter, and hopefully they can get the win."
Long-suffering fans see this as a chance to witness history, with many carrying memories of departed loved ones who were also Fremantle supporters. Police are patrolling the 710km Eyre Highway stretch between Norseman and Eucla to ensure a safe journey for all fans.
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- Purple army heads east for AFL grand final abc.net.au
