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Brisbane Lions’ Late Surge Over Fremantle Highlights “Wharfie Time” Debate
By Drooid · · How we work
Grand Final Turnaround and the Role of “Wharfie Time”
In Saturday’s AFL Grand Final, the Brisbane Lions erased a 17-point deficit with just under four minutes remaining, scoring four consecutive goals to claim an improbable victory. The match concluded with Fremantle’s Shai Bolton receiving the Norm Smith Medal—the first instance of the award going to a player on the losing side since Chris Judd in 2005. Brisbane midfielder Josh Dunkley credited the team’s preparation for “Wharfie Time,” a pre-game activation that displayed a purple wave on the MCG screen, as a psychological boost that helped them execute the comeback.
Background of the Activation
“Wharfie Time” was introduced by Fremantle as a celebratory motif intended to mark the Dockers’ inaugural premiership opportunity. The concept originated from backline coach Dale Morris, who suggested the visual cue to head coach Justin Longmuir. The Lions confirmed the activation was discussed in a team meeting the Friday before the final, noting it was unfamiliar to them until that briefing.
Player and Coach Reactions
Fremantle’s coach Justin Longmuir downplayed any causal link between the activation and the outcome, likening its potential influence to a post-goal music celebration and emphasizing the Dockers’ overall quality. Midfielder Caleb Serong described the final minutes as “horrific” but suggested the experience would galvanise the side.
Brisbane’s coach Chris Fagan praised the comeback as “the most amazing” he had witnessed, while acknowledging that luck played a part and refusing to claim credit for the activation’s effect. Josh Dunkley reiterated that the team’s “stack of heart” and the focus on “Wharfie Time” provided a clear rallying point in the closing stages.
Impact on Fremantle and Future Outlook
Following the loss, Longmuir expressed pride in his players despite the collapse in the last two to three minutes. The club’s veteran backline coach Dale Morris indicated he will meet officials in the coming days to discuss his future role and hinted at possible retirement, noting his age of 65 and desire for a less intensive involvement in senior coaching. The Dockers’ defeat, coupled with the debate over “Wharfie Time,” is expected to shape their preparation strategies ahead of the next season.