Retiring Fremantle forward Sam Switkowski has led a series of tributes from the club’s players to their fan-base in the wake of their devastating grand final defeat.
Dockers fans made the cross-country trip to the MCG by their thousands on Saturday and many more were in the port city to cheer on their side as they made their second appearance in the season decider in club history.
But scenes of joy as they opened up a 17-point lead within the game’s final five minutes quickly turned into utter heartbreak after Brisbane stormed back to rip the cup from their grasp.
Switkowski, who announced on the eve of the finals series he would call time on his career at the conclusion of the season, opened a letter addressed to the Purple Army he posted to his Instagram story by 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,” Switkowski 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.”
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.
Forward Pat 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.
All Australian ruckman Luke 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.”
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