AFL grand final: Fremantle Dockers given green light to unleash Wharfie time at the MCG

In an early win on grand final week for Fremantle, the AFL has granted them use of Wharfie Time in Saturday’s decider against the Brisbane Lions.

As revealed by The West Australian on Monday, the Dockers submitted an application to the league for the activation, which includes ACDC’s Hells Bells, to be listed under the same category as songs played on gameday.

Fremantle will be able to use Wharfie Time, but only after a Fremantle goal, in the same way both teams have freedom to play a goal song.

But unlike, say, Country Roads for Charlie Cameron goals, Wharfie Time is a one-time use only, meaning the Dockers will have to pick and choose when to use it and on which player.

Wharfie Time was last activated in Fremantle’s semifinal win over Geelong after Tom Stewart kicked a late goal to cut the margin back to eight points.

It was only the second time Fremantle have used Wharfie Time this year, but it gained national attention after the Dockers stormed over the top of Hawthorn following its use down the stretch in round nine.

Earlier in the week, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said he was keen to balance the Dockers’ request with the notion the MCG is supposed to be a neutral venue.

“During the finals, the home side has been able to have their goal stings and make it like a home game. The grand final is more neutral.

“We have two clubs here who’ve got really engaging ways of celebrating goals. If there’s an opportunity for us to do that, then we’ll look at that.”