The Fremantle Dockers are riding a “perfect storm” in season 2026.

They’ve booked their ticket into just the club’s second-ever grand final while their alignment side the Peel Thunder on Sunday claimed the 2026 WAFL premiership.

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Ex-Docker and now Thunder CEO Daniel Bandy said it was one club united, as more success sits on the horizon.

“I’ve called it the perfect storm,” he told Fox Sports.

“What’s happened this year with Freo – they’ve got a fantastic, super healthy list. We’ve had to play five guys in the Reserves this year because they’ve been that fit and healthy.

“It’s just been the perfect storm – the synergy between Freo and their trajectory and Peel’s trajectory.

“I don’t think you’ll see this too often.

“Freo could win it next week and you probably won’t see it again (the double) in this lifetime.”

Peel Thunder claimed the 2026 Grand Final. Picture: WA FootballSource: Supplied

And while there’s jubilation inside the club, there’s always tales of heartbreak – and this year it belongs to Docker Jeremy Sharp.

Sharp was named Simpson Medallist as best on ground in Peel’s 62-point grand final win.

But with his elation comes heartbreak knowing he won’t be part of that Dockers premiership push.

“It’s special, they don’t come around often flags,” he said after the Thunder victory.

“To be a part of this group, the alignment has never been stronger and I’m just so proud.

“(Fremantle listed players) buy into the culture of Peel – we only get to see the blokes once a week but the way we do come together and connect, it’s a credit to the alignment. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it.

“This is going to bring us together for life now. We’ve got a connection that can’t be broken.

“It’s been a tough year for me. I’ll do my reflecting in the next week and a bit.

“The medal means more today. I’m really proud of myself. It hasn’t been an easy year for me with selection and form.

“It hasn’t been easy but I keep coming back to the word proud.

“It’s going to be different emotions (this week). I can’t see myself playing in the AFL team, but I’m going to do everything I can to prepare them and get around them because they’re my best mates.

Jeremy Sharp won the Simpson Medal for best on ground.Source: SUPPLIED

“I’d love to see them achieve something pretty special just like we have.

“I’ll be right by their side. I can’t wait.

“We’ll push them this week. They’ll be feeling the pressure, be really nervous, but we’ll fly over with them, train with them and be right by their side.

“I think our team deserves it, our city deserves it, our town deserves it and our club deserves it.”

That one-club harmony was a message star Heath Chapman used when speaking to Fox Footy earlier on Sunday.

“This club, I am happy to come in every day,” he shared.

“We do the work… These are your best mates .

“And it is tight for selection but that’s what makes this so special.”

For Bandy, he described it as an “organic love” between the two teams within the one club.

“I don’t think people realise how difficult it is – the alignment, the boys don’t train with us all of the time. Some of the assistant coaches aren’t here. It’s a lot of hard work and communication that goes on behind the scenes,” he shared.

“You can see it tonight, the vibe and feel in here, it’s an organic love. I don’t know how else to say it.

“We’ve worked really hard to know that we’re an important football club.

“We do it better than anyone in the whole of the country (balancing the alignment).

“We’re really focused on the communication piece between the two clubs and it’s worked well.

“It’s a big week!

“I’m going to enjoy the next 24 hours.”