If asked what Chris Connolly’s greatest legacy from his time at the Club was, I’m sure most would reference 2003. The year Fremantle made their first AFL finals appearance. A home elimination final against Essendon at Subiaco Oval in front 42,770 screaming fans.
But there is more to that year and something else that Chris brought to the Club that he should be acknowledged and remembered for.
Ahead of the 2003 season, Chris wanted the Purple Army to emulate the efforts of South Korea fans at the 2002 World Cup, where a sea of red had a phenomenal impact on the performance of the team.
The members and fans accepted the challenge and so one of our Club’s proudest off-field traditions was born… The Starlight Purple Haze Game. (Thanks Chris.)
This year will be the 20th Starlight Purple Haze Game, played between Fremantle and GWS in round four, and is proudly presented by South32.
The secret to the 20-year success story that is Purple Haze sits here:
It’s that simple and it’s why the game has been so well-embraced by our members and supporters and broader community.
The fundraising that comes with that, and the extraordinary generosity of our community is simply a bonus, and one that has funded an inordinate number of Starlight programs and wishes over the years.
Our position as a football Club, our brand and our players can have a huge impact on the community. We don’t take that for granted and the Starlight Purple Haze Game is a fully charged example of that.
The ‘let’s get everyone to wear purple’ PR campaign that began in 2003 and raised $14,000 for Starlight has evolved into something so emotionally important to the Fremantle family that it has since raised more than $2 million.
Every single year, even in 2020 when the whole world was hit hard economically by the impacts of Covid-19, we rally. And we will continue to rally for years to come because we can see the impact on young people’s lives.
We’ve shared so many stories over the two decades, of families who have had to face significant health challenges.
From eight-year-old Jessica Sheehan, who was diagnosed with Niemann Pick Type C (childhood dementia) and is now a 23-year old thriving in her prime, albeit still dealing with her medical challenges on a daily basis.
To those who touched our hearts but haven’t been as fortunate to reach their twenties, like Harry Barker and Millie Lucas. Beautiful young kids gone way too soon, but really impacted us with their bravery and courage.
Saturday’s game is a tribute to every family who has been connected to Starlight Purple Haze over the years, and an opportunity for us to let them know their kids have had an impact on our Freo family.
When it comes to unlocking smiles galore for the Starlight kids, we have the key… the big Freo kids that run around out there on the grass and kick goals!
We have been blessed with player ambassadors over the years who happily accept an initial invitation to be involved, and then become so connected to the cause that it doesn’t matter what we ask of them, they are always there to help.
They never care how silly they might look… they just want to help brighten lives.
In the early days we had Ryan Murphy, Chris Tarrant, Des Headland and Aaron Sandilands leading the charge and visiting the Starlight Express Room and the hospital wards.
After ‘Taz’, ‘Murph’ and ‘DJ’ wrapped up their playing days, Aaron was joined by some enthusiastic new ambassadors in Chris Mayne, Matt de Boer, Alex Silvagni and Garrick Ibbotson.
It was then over to Lachie Neale, Michael Walters and Griffin Logue to get on board, with ‘Sonny’ and Griff still ambassadors today.
Lachie had a huge impact in his time as ambassador, with a particularly special moment in 2018 when he surprised young fan Heath McAuliffe at his school assembly to ask him to run out with the team for the Purple Haze Game. It was a very emotional day for everyone involved, even the journalists covering the story were brought to tears it was so special. (Feel free to watch the moment here but perhaps have a tissue handy!)
Aaron was still powering on in his role as ambassador when we introduced some new faces to the line-up in Bailey Banfield, Andrew Brayshaw and Bradley Hill.
Then came Liam Henry and the ‘Starlight crew’ was quite settled, until Lloyd Meek and Caleb Serong reached out to the Freo Community team earlier this year to ask how they could also be involved.
The more the merrier when it comes to this game and we look forward to creating new Purple Haze memories with those players over the coming years.
It hasn’t been easy on the players these past two years. They really want to have an impact but opportunities are limited when it comes to being around the kids in hospital.
Their time will come to have a more direct impact on the kids in hospital, but for now they do whatever they can to help raise the profile and awareness of the game.
So we’ve highlighted the kids, the families and the players… but there’s a few more key components to this special annual event.
The Kalgoorlie community. For eleven of the 20 years, the town of Kalgoorlie have been phenomenal supporters of the match day, working tirelessly under the leadership of Haylie and Phil Dowson – huge Freo Dockers supporters with equally huge hearts. The funds they have raised since day one is incredible and they are a key reason the game has endured and is such a fundraising success (and we can’t wait to share their 2022 total with you later this week!).
The volunteers. They rattle tins in the precinct (and now wave pay pass machines for a covid safe experience), in bid to boost our fundraising tally. Their energy around the ground is so special. There have been hundreds of them over the years, and we can’t wait to have them back this weekend!
The staff. It’s been a small cohort of staff over the years from Starlight and Fremantle who have played such an important role in making these experiences happen for the kids. We have reached 20 years because of their commitment, passion and love for this match day.
The footy department. Football is a serious game, and a serious environment, particularly on match day. But when it comes to Starlight Purple Haze it has always been “what can we do?” and “what do you need?” from our football department.
We love that the players bring the kids into the sacred inner circle for the team song, and that even for a loss they form a guard of honour for the kids to walk through as they exit the field of play. It’s their way of acknowledging that these kids are the real heroes. And it's yet another reason the game has become what it has.
The fans. Each and every person who gives a little or a lot. Who feels a connection to this game day like our staff, players and coaches do. We are so very grateful for your passion and support. And a special shout out to our Siren's supporter group who, under the leadership of Diane Meakins, have been amazing Purple Haze supporters over the years.
And a trip down our Starlight Purple Haze memory lane wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging one person in particular.
Aaron Sandilands.
Aaron’s involvement as an ambassador for near-on the 20 years since it started has been as authentic as they come. The time he has taken and the care he has shown, whether it be a Christmas Eve visit to PMH or flying himself to Kalgoorlie to help their fundraising efforts, he has been there.
Last year, after all he has given for Starlight, Aaron found himself experiencing the impact of their services first hand when his daughter Sloane was hospitalised.
It’s upsetting to think about what Aaron and his wife Jen have endured over the past twelve months, but we take comfort knowing they’ve had Starlight to help make the time in hospital as easy as possible on Sloane and the family.
Because quite simply, Starlight provide a distraction through fun and laughter. And anyone who has a child unwell in hospital desperately needs a distraction from the procedures and the daily medical jargon that can be overwhelming.
To Aaron, and every other person that keeps a special place in their hearts for Starlight Purple Haze….
Thank you!
You have ALL made this wonderful tradition what it is today. And we can’t wait to continue sharing it with you for many years to come.
(and thanks again Chris Connelly… you kickstarted something pretty special!)
Get your 2022 Starlight Purple Haze 20th Anniversary Edition Jumper here!
Get your Fans Pledge in for Starlight Purple Haze!
Three-game Purple Haze memberships on sale now, $20 per purchase donated to Starlight!
