Fremantle is bracing for some serious partying by Dockers fans, with the streets expected to fill with revellers well ahead of the grand final match.
Perth's roads were unusually quiet on Friday morning as many workers pulled an extra-long weekend, given they already have Monday off for the Queen's Birthday public holiday.
The streets of Fremantle were also quiet, except for pubs frantically doing some last-minute stocking-up, and with so many die-hard fans having flown to Melbourne for the big match.
But that was expected to change come nightfall, when those who couldn't make the journey will put bartenders through their paces.
"It's going to be a big Friday night I would think," a spokesman for the City of Fremantle said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"A lot of people will be getting in early for celebrations."
Network Ten's The Project will do a special live cross from Fremantle's Henderson Street Mall from 5pm (WST) and will no doubt catch some of that action.
The port city's famous cappuccino strip of South Terrace - where even the coffees are emblazoned with the Docker's anchor logo - will be closed between High Street and Norfolk Streets for 24 hours from 6am on Saturday, when three 6m outdoor television screens will be set up to display the game live.
About 20,000 people are expected to flock there.
"As soon as those roads close in the morning, it will be a hive of activity," the spokesman said.
The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) is upset by media reports suggesting there'll be many a boozy breakfast, with pubs allowed to open from 7am.
But of the 14 Fremantle venues surveyed by the AHA, just three intend to serve alcohol before 10am, with the earliest starting at 8am.
Patrons may well ask them to open the taps sooner.
