Ex Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferi

Ex-mayor says its time to give the Docker’s cabinet some real silver

Former Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferri jokes the only trophy the Dockers have in their cabinet for now is the club’s first game ball, which he loaned to them.

But Mr Tagliaferri, mayor from 2001-09, reckons the club will soon have the ultimate piece of silverware after next week’s AFL grand final.

“I went to the Dockers’ first game against Richmond in Melbourne and bought the ball at the auction after the game,” he told the Herald. “I thought the club would’ve bought it given it was the first ball the players kicked, but I knew I was getting a bit of history.

“To be honest I can’t remember how much I paid for it, but it was an expensive weekend.”

The ball, signed by all the Freo players in that first game, (the Dockers lost by five points), sits behind glass at the club’s HQ on Parry Street.

Mr Tagliaferri who now runs the Manjimup Gateway Hotel, is hoping to eventually hang the historic pigskin at his boozer after this season.

“I have an arrangement with them to take it to the hotel in Manjimup,” he said. “It’s the only trophy they have in the cabinet but I hope that changes in two weeks.”

The Labor stalwart, a Dockers’ member from 1995 until last year, hasn’t always seen eye-to-eye with the club hierarchy.

“I thought the way they dealt with Harvey was unsavoury,” he says.

“He was a great champion of the club and didn’t deserve that.

“So I didn’t renew my membership last year, but I am planning to become a country member next year.”

He is confident the Dockers can get the job done against Sydney in the preliminary final Saturday night.

“I think they will get over the line against Sydney, especially given [the Swans’] injury list.

“I hope Geelong beats Hawthorn but I can’t see that happening. I’m less confident if we play the Hawks, but if the Dockers get into the grand final anything can happen. You can live the dream.”

by BRENDAN FOSTER