FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL TO HIGHLIGHT RETURN TO WAFL FOOTBALL

THIS has already been a year like no other but the excitement is building ahead of the return to somewhat normality and to celebrate that, not only will Fremantle Community Bank Oval host a Fremantle Derby but it's transformed into the Festival of Football.

There is no bigger, longer or more traditional rivalry in all of sport in Western Australia than that which exists between South Fremantle and East Fremantle so it's only fitting that the WAFL's return in 2020 is highlighted by a Fremantle Derby on Saturday July 18 at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

But this is no usual Round 1 match up given everything that 2020 has already thrown our way and as a result, it is going to be no usual derby day that the Bulldogs will be hosting down at the port as we celebrate the return to football for the new season.

The game itself will be more than enough entertainment for many of those in attendance, but South Fremantle wants to ensure it provides a reason for everyone to come and attend Fremantle Community Bank Oval on the day, with the activities beginning from 9.30am.

There'll be a whole range of other activities to ensure there is something for everyone and that will include a Kids' Corner which will feature WA's only 23m inflatable obstacle course as well as a giant football dart board, face painting, Giant Jenga, Connect 4 and plenty of exciting giveaways.

No one in attendance will be lacking for food and drink options either with a diverse and extensive range to be on hand to keep everyone happy and satisfied.

With the combination of everything put in place to create the Festival of Football on the day at Fremantle Community Bank Oval to coincide with the first taste of WAFL action this year and with it being the Fremantle Derby between the Bulldogs and Sharks, and it's hard to imagine a more exciting day to now look forward to on Saturday July 18.

As a result, those working hard with the South Fremantle Football Club are preparing themselves to have everything in place to cater for a crowd of up to 10,000 people, and Bulldogs CEO Cameron Britt can't wait for his first Derby since joining the club in 2020.

"We certainly live in hope of a huge turnout and down here at South Fremantle we are bullish, and we want to be as successful as possible," Britt said.

"We're working hard to ensure the biggest possible crowd, and if that was 8-10,000 people, we think that is certainly achievable weather-permitting. But what is probably most important is ourselves having the responsibility of hosting the derby on the return to WAFL football.

"We want to make sure we get it right and that's our responsibility and I guess we're a custodian to the return to football on July 18, and we are making sure we cater to not only the purists and our members and traditional football followers, but also to families and young people in general. 

"There'll be a range of activities and activations there, and it will almost be like a carnival type atmosphere. There'll be something for everyone plus some pretty high-octane footy action as well."

The South Fremantle Football Club is taking its responsibility seriously of making it a memorable and successful occasion with the Festival of Football to mark the return of WAFL action in 2020 as well.

Britt is excited by the things the Bulldogs have put in place including the ability for those wishing to attend to purchase their tickets beforehand, but all in all the focus is on making it a day that everyone remembers for all the right reasons.

"It's certainly exciting and it's quite palpable now that we are edging closer to a return to footy. We've launched a bit of a new and different strategy I guess for the WAFL in the home and away season, which is a presale ticketing campaign," Britt said.

"Obviously it's the traditional Fremantle Derby but we've actually broadened the scope and I guess what we'll deliver on the day. We are creating a Festival of Footy on the day at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.

"We are encouraging all of the community to attend and effectively celebrate a return to football but also being active outside in a safe and active way. Not everyone is in this position around the country or the world, but we are and this is the time to celebrate that.

"If you do go online and purchase your ticket, we know it's a little bit of a change in behaviour for WAFL punters, but you also go in the draw for a pretty significant prize pack. That includes potentially being drawn to toss the coin before the derby live on the Channel 7 broadcast as well as a Quest Fremantle weekend away."