When Perth was granted the grand final it was never meant to have, the AFL said there would be no grand final parade.
While there might not have been time to organise the traditional extravaganza that fills the streets of Melbourne each year, the City of Perth managed to create something just as special.
Thousands of fans gathered at either end of the Murray Street Mall this afternoon — Bulldogs supporters at the William Street end, opposite Demons fans near Barrack Street.
Many waved flags high and proud, others simply cheered as they made their way through the CBD.
ABC News: Keane Bourke
)Among the crowd was WA Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan, who had supported Melbourne since she was seven years old, having grown up in Victoria.
“It started from the fact that everyone in our suburb barracked for Collingwood and my sister thought we needed to create a bit of opposition,” she said.
ABC News: Keane Bourke
)She said it was the “most unbelievable fluke” that Perth had been chosen to host this year’s final.
“I’ve never felt confident like I do with this game,” she said.
“They are just playing so superbly, there is so much talent and style in that team, we can’t lose.”