Freo Fever: The Business of the Finals

Rita Saffioti might be the acting premier this week, but it's the premiership occupying her mind.

A move to trademark the moniker given to WA's fiercest football rivalry has cast light on the history of the term.

Fremantle Dockers fans are going to great lengths to cross the Nullarbor for the AFL Grand Final as the state government makes local transport to the port city free.

While the WA government spends millions of dollars attracting events to this state, Victoria's lock on the AFL grand final will deliver an especially large economic boost this year.

Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver says the port city is preparing to draw 40,000 fans for the Fremantle Dockers' Grand Final clash – a figure he believes could prove conservative.

Businesses in the heart of Fremantle have capitalised on the Dockers' grand final fever, launching purple products and festooning their storefronts as foot traffic is set to surge on Saturday.