The Complex Dynamic Between Fremantle and West Coast Eagles Supporters
The Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles are two AFL (Australian Football League) teams based in Perth, Western Australia. Despite sharing the same city and a notable rivalry, the relationship between their supporters is more complex than it may seem at first glance. Not all Fremantle supporters were once West Coast Eagles fans, and the reasons for a supporter's allegiance can vary widely.
Origins of Support
When the Fremantle Dockers were first established in 1995, the West Coast Eagles had already built a strong fanbase with dedicated members. However, the Dockers appealed to a broader and more diverse demographic. They succeeded in attracting those who were loyal to the AFL and had been enjoying the WAFL (Western Australia Football League) for years. Others were drawn to the new team's culture and values, which were often seen as more modern and inclusive.
While some West Coast Eagles fans did switch their allegiance to Fremantle, many Fremantle supporters have always remained loyal to their new hometown team. Support for either team can stem from family traditions, personal connections, or a preference for the team's values and culture. Some fans have even made the switch based on more practical reasons, such as finding the Dockers more appealing than the waiting list for Eagles memberships.
The Rivalry and Its Impact
The rivalry between the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles is steeped in history, particularly in the early days of the Dockers. The Eagles, composed of seasoned AFL players, were more physically imposing and often physically dominated the younger, less experienced Dockers. This physicality created memorable "melees" that added to the fierce rivalry. Over time, the dynamics between the teams have evolved, and the relationship between their fans has become more nuanced.
Despite this rivalry, it is common for fans to have allegiances to both teams, especially teenagers and young adults who may have grown up supporting the Dockers while their parents remain true to the Eagles. There are also many out-of-state and international fans who never had a connection to the Eagles but gravitated towards the Dockers once they were introduced to the team.
The Nature of Support
Interestingly, Fremantle supporters often have a positive attitude towards the Eagles. They root for them to do well against Victorian teams, while the Eagles themselves are not as fond of supporting the Dockers. This is partly due to the perception that Fremantle supporters are "traitors" in the Eagles' eyes. However, as the teams' histories and fanbases have grown, the divide between the two sets of fans has softened to some extent.
It's worth noting that the loyalty and devotion of a fan to a team can be deeply personal and can change for various reasons. Some fans have a strong sense of tradition or community loyalty, while others find themselves drawn to a team based on its values and cultural fit. In the case of Fremantle and West Coast Eagles, both team cultures have a significant impact on where fans choose to place their support.
Conclusion
The relationship between Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles supporters is multifaceted. While some Fremantle fans were once Eagle supporters, many have remained loyal to their team from day one. The rivalry brought about by their shared city and historical contexts contribute to the dynamic between fans. However, the cultural and personal factors influencing support cannot be understated, and the fanbase for each team continues to evolve.
The challenge for both teams is maintaining the loyalty of fans while also attracting new supporters who may have different reasons for choosing one team over the other. The complex nature of these relationships highlights the multifaceted world of AFL supporter loyalty in Western Australia.