The rich football heritage in Fremantle dates back to 1885 when the premiership was contested by four clubs – Rovers (predecessor of the Perth Football Club), Victorians, Perth High School and Fremantle (wearing the infamous red and white playing strip).

In 1886, a second Fremantle-based side – Unions - replaced Perth High School to maintain the number of teams at four. The following year Fremantle did not continue in the competition leaving Unions as the only Fremantle team. Unions adopted Fremantle’s red and white playing uniforms that year and in 1890, they adopted the Fremantle Football Club name. The team won flags in 1888 and 1889 as Unions and in 1890 as Fremantle.

In 1898 a new club emerged at the Port, East Fremantle, wearing the blue and white they continue to wear today, and broke through for its first premiership in 1900, the year that also saw South Fremantle, wearing red and white, admitted to the competition.

East and South Fremantle have since gone on to forge one of the most intense rivalries in football, appearing in 70 WAFL grand finals with East winning 29 and South winning 11.

During the annual AFL heritage round, Fremantle wears a red and white playing uniform which is identical to the guensey worn by the original Fremantle Football Club during their first premiership in 1885 and recognises the rich football heritage of Fremantle.