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Western derby 55: Fremantle Dockers retiring veteran David Mundy returns for special family moment

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Jackson BarrettThe West Australian
VideoDavid Mundy has shared a moment with family on an empty Optus Stadium.

David Mundy has returned to an almost empty Optus Stadium nearly an hour after his final western derby to have a kick with his three children.

The retiring Fremantle great was given a rousing reception by more than 53,000 home fans in his last ever regular season game in Perth.

He spent time in the rooms with teammates before returning to the western end of the ground, kicking a ball with his children and wife Sally.

Extended family and friends, who had watched the game from a box on level four, then joined them on the ground for a group photo.

The Dockers held on to beat the Eagles by 24 points and win a third-straight western derby, before Mundy completed a lap of the playing surface and was given a guard of honour by West Coast players.

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Mundy will retire at the end of the season, with the Dockers to play Greater Western Sydney in Canberra next week, while the win over the Eagles secured Fremantle a final at home in either the first, second or third week of September.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 13: David Mundy of the Dockers \sets to sing the team song after the win during the 2022 AFL Round 22 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Camera IconMundy's family were also in the rooms post-game. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

In the 16th minute of the first quarter, Dockers fans stood and applauded Mundy as part of the moving tributes.

The games record holder recognised the adulation with a subtle thumbs up before a centre bounce, which came just moments after the two teams were split from a spiteful melee.

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