Fremantle Dockers players pay tribute to each other, fans after shattering grand final loss

Shattered Fremantle players have paid tribute to each other and the passionate Fremantle faithful in the wake of their grand final heartbreaker.

While the Dockers have confirmed there will be no official event for fans now they have returned home to Perth, several players took to social media on Monday to thank the “Purple Army”.

Thousands of fans forked out thousands of dollars to get to Melbourne and take over the streets. They dominated Brisbane supporters at the grand final parade on Friday and lit up the MCG on Saturday, even braving the east coast weather.

Retiring forward Sam Switkowski, who announced on the eve of the finals series he would call time on his career at the conclusion of the season, led the tributes to the heartbroken fan-base.

Switkowski penned an open letter addressed to the Purple Army, writing he had been “blown away by your love and support”.

“I’ve felt it every step of the way, but this past month has been something I never could have expected,” he wrote.

“When you play a niche role inside a football club you assume everyone on the outside doesn’t fully understand and appreciate your job. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

“I’ve read every one of the hundred messages you’ve sent me, I’ve heard your cheers and kind words.

Switkowski wrote he felt “so lucky to have been celebrated by you all for who I am and what I’ve brought to this club”.

“Thank you for showing up, thank you for riding the highs and lows with us, and thank you for the memories,” he wrote.

“You truly are the best fans in the country, proven by the gratitude and love you’ve sent us following the grand final.

“Fremantle will forever hold a place in my heart. I can’t wait to watch this club win its inaugural premiership.

“Love, Swit.”

Several of Switkowski’s now-former teammates showed their love for the popular veteran in the comments.

“The best teammate,” wrote popular forward Pat Voss.

“Love ya Switta,” said All Australian ruckman Luke Jackson.

Meanwhile, second-year star Murphy Reid posted a photo of the club’s players appearing downtrodden in the middle of the MCG, beginning his caption with the word: “brothers”.

“We will be back. Love you purple army,” the caption read.

Voss — who kicked a goal which extended Fremantle’s lead beyond two goals with only 4min18sec remaining in the contest — said he was “proud to run out there with these boys.”

“Winners lose too, they just don’t stay down,” the caption to Voss’ Instagram post read.

Jackson said he was “shattered” with the result, but remained “so proud of what we’ve achieved this year”.

“Thank you Purple Army. This year wouldn’t have been as special without you,” Jackson wrote.

Wingman Neil Erasmus wrote: “Devastated. Grateful for this group, club and army.”

“Freo army, love you,” wrote small forward Isaiah Dudley, while utility Corey Wagner wrote: “Thank you Purple Army, you were amazing!”

The forlorn Dockers landed back in Perth on Sunday, less than 24 hours after the Lions snatched a famous seven-point win in the premiership decider.

While a week of celebrations were on the cards if the club claimed a maiden flag, including a purple parade through the streets of Fremantle, those plans were promptly parked following the devastating loss.

Last year, runners-up Geelong hosted a supporters day at Kardinia Park, where thousands of fans rallied behind the Cats. West Coast held a similar fan appreciation event in 2015, following the club’s grand final defeat to Hawthorn.

At the time, thousands of loyal Eagles supporters gathered at Subiaco Oval as players signed autographs, interacted with fans and expressed their gratitude for their support.

The Dockers players are now on leave with exit meetings expected to take place throughout the week.

Some were spotted drowning their sorrows at various pubs on Sunday night, including injured captain Alex Pearce, but laid low during Monday’s public holiday in Western Australia.

Fremantle players, staff and officials will come back together on Saturday night at the club’s best and fairest award, the Doig Medal, at Crown.

Jackson is the favourite to take home his first club champion award, while three-time winner Caleb Serong is another strong chance ahead of the count.