When Stephen Hill retired midweek, he expressed his sadness that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to be out in front of the Fremantle fans for one last time.
On Sunday at Optus Stadium, the Purple Army and the players did everything they could to give Hill the send off he deserved.
Pre-game, Hill jumped into the team huddle and Glendinning-Allan Medallist Caleb Serong credited his presence for Freo’s fast start, with a 50-point first quarter.
After a stirring lap of honour at half time in front of the Purple Army, he joined the 51,692 fans in attendance to cheer Freo home.
After being chaired off the ground by David Mundy and Michael Walters, the players got around each other to sing the song, but they wouldn’t start until Hill was convinced to join them.
Mitch Crowden, who delivered a final term 11 disposals to help secure the win, said it was all about delivering for Hill.
“He's quite a shy man, doesn't like to be in the spotlight but he deserves more than anyone to be in there singing with us,” Crowden said.
“He's been a massive part of Freo and he'll be remembered forever.
“We're all feeling really fantastic to be honest, it's been a long time (in RAC Derbies), I haven't won one before. It was really humbling to get the win and to celebrate with Hilly on the special occasion. Everyone's rapt.”
The win came as Fremantle bounced back from a disappointing loss to Brisbane a week prior.
Crowden said Fremantle had to stay switched on to avoid their rollercoaster run of results continuing, with finals a chance if Freo beat St Kilda in round 23 and other results go their way.
“We were really disappointed last week against Brisbane and we were really open about this week,” Crowden said.
“We prepared well, we had a really good week on the track and it just led into the game.
“We've got no control other than what we do out there and how we perform. We've got one more week to really play a good brand of footy and then it's up to the footy ladder, isn't it?”
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Gallery: RAC Derby 53