AFLW supporters are divided over the Fremantle Docker’s decision to abandon the club’s spiritual home in favour of a facility in Cockburn.
On May 21, the football club announced it would move women’s home matches to its Cockburn headquarters for the 2026 season and foreseeable future.
The first game at the new venue on August 16 was a disappointing one for the Dockers, with a 21-point loss to Port Adelaide.
Long term supporter Gloria Carello attended the heritage-listed Fremantle Oval for training sessions and weekend games along with her late husband, Phil.
“The atmosphere [at Fremantle Oval] was more homey,” she said.
“It was good because you had contact with the players, but here [Cockburn ARC] you can’t.”
Some fans appreciate the novelty of the new venue.
Sinead Donohoe attended the inaugural game at Cockburn ARC, where she was given the opportunity to be a part of the banner team for the day.
“The crowd was really good, every goal everyone was up and it was really wholesome,” she said.
Miss Donohoe said the parking situation was better at Cockburn, but the new venue lacked enough seating.
“I feel like it was such a full crowd that there wasn’t enough space,” she said.
In a statement, a City of Fremantle spokesperson said the city was disappointed by the club’s move.
“It’s unfortunate for Freo fans and the rest of our community who are no longer able to enjoy regular AFLW Dockers games at Fremantle Oval,” the spokesperson said.
“The City is of the opinion that the club should bring its AFLW home games back to Fremantle after the Oval has been redeveloped.”
The City of Fremantle has finalised its business case for the State Government’s consideration, providing three options for facility upgrades at Fremantle Oval.
The club has outlined their desire to sustain a meaningful connection to their spiritual home, however there has been no mention of a possibility to return to Fremantle Oval.
The Fremantle Football Club did not respond to requests for comment, but in a recent media release CEO Simon Garlick said the move would be good for player growth.
“As the AFLW competition continues to grow, it’s essential that we provide elite high-performance facilities for our athletes that reflect the professionalism of the game and the people playing it, and that is what Cockburn ARC Oval provides,” he said.
The Dockers women’s side will play a total of six home games at Cockburn ARC in the 2026 home and away season.