West Australian football fans will head to Fremantle next weekend to watch some of the state’s best in the 2020 Optus West Australian Football League Grand Final. 

Teams will battle it out for the top title on October 4, with only 10,000 supporters allowed to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Fremantle Oval won the bid to host the day against other venues including Optus Stadium and Leederville Oval, due to capacity limitations and financial constraints.

The historic ground is home to South Fremantle Football Club, which is a favourite to take part in the League final after finishing the season with the minor premiership. 

South Fremantle FC chief executive Cameron Britt said the club was looking forward to hosting the occasion. 

“We are thrilled by the decision, given the remarkably deep football roots that exist in Fremantle, plus the upside of having such a historic ground in the middle of a vibrant city with so many great venues and eateries for families and young people.”

The City of Fremantle put forward an appealing bid to the Western Australian Football Commission, including some special game-day events. 

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the day would aim to include everyone, including those who may miss out on the footy. 

“Along with the game itself we’ll also be having lots of other family-friendly activities across the weekend, including a Fan March along the famous Cappuccino Strip and a Live Site at Esplanade Reserve where people who aren’t able to get tickets can still watch the game and enjoy the Grand Final atmosphere.”

Mr Britt said the day would have a positive impact on local businesses who may be already struggling due to COVID-19.

“This WAFL Grand Final will be an event that captures the whole city in what will be considerable Football festivities.

“We anticipate a huge financial gain for the city, with highly-valuable economic stimulus injected throughout venues.”

Claremont has cemented its spot in the League final after their 47-point-win over South Fremantle in the semi-final on Sunday.

Wins from East Perth in the Reserves and Claremont again in the Colts saw both teams also lock in their grand final spots. 

Before being held at Optus Stadium in 2018 and 2019, the last Premiership match at a venue other than Subiaco Oval was at Perth Oval in 1935.

The last time Fremantle Oval boasted a crowd this large was in 2017, when the Fremantle Dockers played its first ever AFLW game in front of about 10,000 supporters.