‘Worst use of all time’: Freo’s brutal ‘Wharfie Time’ backfire that sparked all-time Grand Final comeback

For a few minutes, it looked like Fremantle’s maiden AFL flag would be soundtracked by AC/DC’s ‘Hells Bells’.

With 4:18 remaining in the 2026 Grand Final, the club’s crazed ‘Wharfie Time’ tune rang around the Melbourne Cricket Ground, giving goosebumps to every single one of the 100,023 people at the venue.

Watch full and mini replays of the 2026 AFL Grand Final with Fox Footy commentary, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Patrick Voss’ third goal of the afternoon gave the Dockers one hand on the premiership cup, and as close to both hands as you can possibly get.

But, instead of securing Justin Longmuir’s side a title, it inadvertently announced the start of arguably the greatest grand final comeback in V/AFL history.

Charlie Cameron kicked back in response barely seconds after the Wharfie Time tune stopped, and as soon as Dockers fans came to the realisation their lead was cut back down to 11 points, Zac Bailey nailed him home another — the margin now down to just five.

READ MORE

DYNASTY: Best GF ever as Lions in rarest air after staggering ‘Wharfie Time’ disaster

NORM SMITH STUNNER: Shock winner named as Freo star makes rare AFL history

DOCKER RATINGS: Why we thought Bolton was NOT BOG; unlikely ‘impassable’ force stuns

LIONS RATINGS: Star in ‘Dusty territory’ after insane 8-min blitz; skipper’s big twist

FROM THE ‘G: Inside craziest four mins in GF history... and what really killed ‘Flagmantle’ dream

Bolton takes home Norm Smith medal | 00:30

“All of a sudden the Fremantle footy club supporters are sitting there thinking ‘we’re about to experience the greatest thing on our life’ — and now they’re back!” Melbourne great Garry Lyon said after Cameron’s goal.

Australian rules Hall of Fame Legend Jason Dunstall added amid the comeback: “I just reckon it’s the wrong time to play Wharfie Time when you’re in front! It’s like you’re celebrating too early or prematurely. You know Brisbane are going to come at you.

READ MORE

EVERY PLAYER RANKED: Shock ranking for Norm Smith winner... and the actual BOG

‘PVL CHOKING ON HIS PICKLE’: Kylie leaves MCG spinning around in epic pre-Grand Final showcase

‘WENT DOWN LIKE HE WAS SHOT’: Disaster for Dockers as skipper’s serious injury confirmed

“They’re a freakish team the Brisbane Lions. They always find a way. It’s the worst Wharfie Time call of all-time.”

Then, of course it was Logan Morris who called game. The 21-year-old nailed home a clutch set shot, before snapping truly in the dying seconds to put the icing on the cake of an incredible three-year AFL career that has now reaped three flags.

Brisbane Lions complete the three-peat! | 00:28

“Fremantle thought they were home in the crowd, the playing group on the field — I’m not sure they got that far ahead of themselves, but you can’t help but be influenced,” Lyon added after Bailey’s goal.

Fox Footy commentator Anthony Hudson added after the final siren: “Extraordinary torture for one team ... but after an incredible Grand Final, once again Brisbane goes back-to-back-to-back. A new pride, but the same extraordinary feat. It’s Fagan Folklore!”

Before Saturday’s big dance, Fremantle had used Wharfie Time twice this year, most recently in the final 90 seconds of its semi-final win over Geelong at Optus Stadium.

The club was only permitted to play the tune once for the match, with no guarantee it would be used at any point during the match.

“We spoke about it a few times in the week … it was fuel for us to put the foot down and go,” three-time Brisbane premiership star Lachie Neale told Seven post-game.

Former captain Dayne Zorko added: “We wanted to use it against them.”

The departing Lion also noted that co-captain Josh Dunkley was waving his hands in the air in the seconds leading to the next centre ball-up, indicating their intent to use Wharfie Time as fuel for one last comeback.

Click here to read article