Following a victory by the Fremantle Dockers over the Sydney Swans in the preliminary final, fans flooded the streets of Fremantle to celebrate the team's advancement to the grand final. The city's central business district was filled with supporters wearing the team's signature purple, leading to large crowds and a festive atmosphere.

While the celebrations were described as vibrant and energetic, the influx of people created logistical challenges for the city's infrastructure. Reports indicate that bus drivers faced difficulties navigating through the crowds, which were chanting in anticipation of the upcoming match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Despite the intensity of the gathering, there were no reports of significant violence or criminal activity associated with the event. The scene has been characterized by some as a display of intense local pride, while others noted the disruptive impact the spontaneous gathering had on local traffic and public transport operations.