In the wake of some disappointing performances, Robert Walls has taken it upon himself to question the soul of the Fremantle Dockers, posing the most unusual question to embattled coach Mark Harvey, “what does Fremantle stand for?”
Such an inane question should not be considered unusual from Walls. Let’s consider his record.
He had early succes with the Carton Blue, a side he inherited. However after Walls had the chance to put his stamp on the club he found himself sacked after Carlton suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Brisbane Bears, going down at Princess Park.
While coaching the Brisbane Bears he led them to 4 wins and 11 losses before being told his services were no longer required. He also courted much controversy at the Bears after leading the players in a rumoured discipline process which saw one young player physically attacked by his own side for being ‘soft’.
Following this less than stellar performance, he gained a coaching position at Richmond. He was sacked after a soulless 137 point defeat at the hands of the Adelaide Crows in Round 17, 1997.
His career as a commentator with both Channel Seven and Channel Ten followed. Many fans believe his commentary to be inane, and Walls is known as the master at stating the obvious. What was not so obvious was his comment on Paul Roo’s coaching style at the Swans. Walls said they would never win a premiership under Roo’s. History proved Walls wrong when the Paul Roo’s led side went on to win the 2005 premiership. Paul Roos did not accept Walls subsequent apology.
Which leads us to his comments on the Fremantle Dockers.
It is true that apart from reaching a preliminary final the Dockers have disappointed their fans many times. But these fans have produced the fastest growing membership of any AFL club. Membership stands at close to 40, 000 members. The media have often taken it upon itself to criticise these fans. For instance, they cheered their side off the ground following the defeat to Essendon in the clubs first final.
The ‘Freo’ chant drowned out the Essendon song, much to the chagrin of ‘Freo basher’ Dennis Commetti. He, and other commentators, do not understand club spirit when they see it. They are much more accustomed to the orchestrated applause put on by the incorporated West Coast Eagles, who have no real spiritual home, despite having a ‘spiritual captain’ for a couple of years. Contrast this to Fremantle whose members staged a protest march from Fremantle oval to Subiaco when the AFL threatened to place their club facilities at Subiaco Oval, instead of in the heart of Fremantle.
During the season of 2001, the so called ‘Drum’ years, the Fremantle faithful continued to turn up to games, at times eclipsing the much better performing Melbourne clubs in terms of attendance. There have always been a regular and steady group of supporters, who always support the club. That is soul.
Consider Shaun McManus. He has suffered two knee reconstructions, and the ignominy of facing the media as dual captain week after week, defeat after defeat. McManus never flinches, and still plays for the club. Other greats such as Jason Norrish, Troy Cook and Dale Kickett were never blessed with the skills of other players, but played with heart, leaving nothing on the field.
Walls dared to question the commitment of Peter Bell. Bell found himself not required by the Dockers, and went on to carve out a very successful career with North Melbourne. On his return to the Dockers, Bell has played with incredible spirit, out playing much taller and stronger players. He has now returned to Perth, despite playing incredibly well although living in Geraltdon.
Consider our present Captain, Matthew Pavlich.
A five times All Australian, originating from South Australia, and growing up barracking for the Adelaide Crows. He found himself in a very similar position to his cross town rival Chris Judd at the end of 2007. Fortunately Matthew had ‘soul’ and stayed with the Fremantle Dockers, something Judd found impossible to do.
Despite Harveys’ integrity in showing up for “On the Couch” and his courage both on and off the field, Walls has proven himself unable to resist the inane and ill considered question, which was really a comment.
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