Brisbane Lions supporter Graham Ferguson with Fremantle supporters Tania Young and her West Highland terrier Finnbar, 2.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Being a Fremantle Dockers supporter in Shepparton can be a lonely experience.
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But Tanya Young has good reason to follow the club. Her nephew Hayden was drafted to the Dockers in 2019.
Since then, she’s become a diehard follower of the club, joining up as a Melbourne-based member and attending their matches at Marvel Stadium and the MCG.
The News caught up with Ms Young and passionate Brisbane Lions supporter Graham Ferguson as the two teams prepare to face off in the AFL grand final this weekend.
Ms Young has attended three matches in Perth this year. She was also on hand for Fremantle’s preliminary final win against the Sydney Swans at the SCG last Friday.
“I had no voice left, we’d been yelling the whole game,” she said.
She is excited to be going to the grand final and the parade this year, as Fremantle prepares to play for its first premiership.
The significance of the moment is not lost on her.
“I’d be really happy for Fremantle as a club, so happy for the supporters and players,” she said.
Fremantle supporter Tania Young with Brisbane Lions supporter Graham Ferguson.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Mooroopna’s Mr Ferguson will be hoping for a different outcome on Saturday.
He started following Brisbane at the age of seven after visiting the club’s exhibit at the World Expo 88 in Brisbane. Back then, Brisbane was known as the Bears.
A highlight for him was running out on the ground with Michael Voss at a 1990s match against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval.
He’s also acted as the club mascot on one occasion.
Although he won’t be at the game this year, he’s been in the stands to watch the Lions win premierships in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2024 and 2025.
This Saturday he’s tipping the Lions to win by 15 points.
“The way we played against Hawthorn we can beat anyone on the day,“ he said.
“If you’re not confident, don’t follow them.”
But whatever happens, his passion for the club won’t waver.
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