Docker fans get ready to give Swans the heave-ho

The South West Dockers Supporters Club is excited about this weekend’s preliminary final against the Sydney Swans at Patersons Stadium after dedicating years to following their favourite, but as yet unsuccessful, AFL team.

Club president Anna Bedggood said the members had been through more lows than highs but were excited for what the preliminary final meant for the team and its supporters.

“There have been way too many heartbreaks but the team has made it one step further this year than ever before,” she said.

The supporters club is a dedicated bunch with 40 members packing themselves into a bus each fortnight and heading to Perth.

This weekend there is double the regular crowd, with two buses and more than 80 fans expected to travel to Subiaco.

The South West supporters club started when the Dockers formed in 1994 and Pia Retzlaff has been a Dockers member since the beginning.

She described the port club’s fans as being “extremely passionate”.

“The good thing about being a Dockers fan is that we always have hope,” she said.

“Whether we win or lose, we always stay to the end — sometimes the bitter end.”

Ms Bedggood believes the preliminary final will be close.

“It will be hard but we have been waiting a long time and I just hope they make it through,” she said.

She said the club had planned ahead in case the team made the grand final with Gannaway Charters, the company which drives them to and from Perth, organising a bus to Melbourne.

For those who have tickets to the game this weekend and want to join in the fun on the club’s bus, call Daniel on 9791 2213, as there are still seats available.