Bankwest will continue its partnership with Fremantle in 2027. Bankwest Buddies, Bankwest Best Seats and new fan activations will return for members and fans next year. 

The extension adds a fifth year to a partnership that began in 2023 and has given thousands of West Australians a closer connection to the Club. 

Through Bankwest Buddies, 16 junior teams across the entire year connected with Freo’s men’s or women’s players on the ground for their pre-game warm-up. Each Bankwest Buddy receives a football signed by a player. More than 1,420 young footballers have had the opportunity to meet their sporting heroes pre-game since the partnership began. 

Bankwest Best Seats has given fans the chance to watch an AFL home game from premium seats at Optus Stadium. In 2026, 88 fans were upgraded, taking the total to 352 since 2023. 

During Fremantle’s 2026 AFL finals campaign, Bankwest went beyond the partnership by releasing bespoke stickers and player tattoos as fan giveaways. More than 10,000 tattoos made their way to the Purple Army. 

As part of the partnership extension, Bankwest Buddies and Bankwest Best Seats will continue in 2027, alongside new activations designed to engage members and fans across the season, including at Optus Stadium on game days. Bankwest will continue to support both the men’s and women’s teams, and its branding will now appear on the coaches’ apparel.  

Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick thanked Bankwest for its continued support of the Club and the WA football community. 

“Bankwest has been an integral part of the Freo family for four years, and we’re rapt that continues in 2027,” Garlick said. 

“When I think about this partnership, I think about kids from local clubs standing on Optus Stadium alongside our players and heading home with a signed footy. That’s the kind of experience partners like Bankwest make possible for WA footy. 

“I want to sincerely thank the Bankwest team for the way they’ve backed our players, our members and our community. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead together next year.” 

Bankwest Managing Director Jason Chan said the renewal followed a historic season for Fremantle and reflected the shared ambition of two organisations with deep WA roots. 

"What an incredible season for Freo and the Purple Army. Reaching the Grand Final was an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the determination, leadership and team culture the club has built. 

"Bankwest and Freo share deep WA roots and big ambitions for sustained national success. We're proud to continue backing the club as it builds on this year's success and looks towards an exciting 2027. 

"It's been fantastic to see the passion and pride of supporters right across WA, and we're looking forward to another season of creating memorable moments for our customers and the Purple Army." 

Aside from fan interactions on game day in 2026, Bankwest also presented The Build: Caleb Serong, the Club’s latest podcast series in which Serong recorded voice memos giving fans an unfiltered look at his preparation for the AFL season this year.  

The final three episodes were released last week, make sure you catch up as all eight episodes are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.