Fremantle Dockers: AFL team gets slammed by footy fans for choosing a smash-hit song by one of the world’s biggest bands as their new celebration tune

The Fremantle Dockers have announced they’ll play Colplay’s smash hit Viva La Vida whenever their stars kick a goal during home games – and the move has gone over like a lead balloon with many of their fans.

Dockers AFLW stars started reciting the tune when they beat Essendon in the finals series last year, and the club hopes supporters of the men’s team will sing ‘Fre-ooo’ instead of the tune’s famous ‘Oh-oh-oh’ chant.

‘We saw it happen in the AFLW … it’s a great connection piece between our players, AFL, AFLW, and our fanbase,’ Dockers star Hayden Young said.

‘I think it’s a great anthem that we can really lean into.

‘When I think about 40,000 people singing in unison, it gets me up and about, and I think it could be a little advantage that we might have playing at our home ground in front of big crowds.’

Judging by the online reaction to the club’s announcement, not many fans agree with him.  

Dockers bosses want fans to sing ‘Fre-ooo’ instead of the famous ‘Oh-oh-oh’ chant featured in the British band’s song (Coldplay are pictured in 2021)

‘The gameplay isn’t painful enough, now we have to endure Coldplay as well?’ one wrote, referring to Fremantle’s winless start to the season.

‘Don’t worry about the chants, worry about actually having a go,’ another commented. 

Others were more direct, simply writing ‘Cringe factor 1000’, ‘Vomit’ and ‘Destroying a good song’. 

And another fan pointed out that North Melbourne star Nick Larkey already uses the Coldplay hit as his personal tune when he scores a goal.  

Viva La Vida was released in 2008 on the band’s fourth album, and won Song of the Year at the 2009 Grammy Awards in addition to reaching No.2 on the Australian charts, No.1 in Britain and also topping the Billboard Hot 100.

In addition to announcing its use at matches, the club confirmed they will continue to play TNT by AC/DC after victories at home, with the band’s hit Hells Bells ringing out after the coin toss and just before skipper Alex Pearce’s pre-match address.

The Dockers use the famous rock outfit’s songs in part because their former lead singer, Bon Scott, grew up in Fremantle.

Last March, the team combined its 30th birthday celebrations with the 50th anniversary of Scott’s debut with the band.

Dockers supporters didn’t hold back with their opinions of the new addition to the club’s gameday entertainment

Fremantle fans are also slamming the club for their performances on the field as they languish in second-last on the ladder after losing their opening two games of the season

Meanwhile, the Dockers slumped to their second straight defeat of the season on Sunday, falling to the Swans by just three points to leave them languishing second-last on the ladder.

The Dockers led by 22 points at quarter-time and were still clinging to a slender margin as the clock wound down in Sunday’s match in front of 43,882 fans. 

In a frantic finish, Fremantle surged forward for one final thrust with seconds remaining.

A long kick into attack was marked by Dockers forward Jye Amiss about 25m from goal, but the siren had sounded just a second earlier, giving Sydney the 9.14 (68) to 9.11 (65) win.

Fremantle, who had a knack of losing close games last year, will be desperate to break their duck heading into next Sunday’s western derby against the Eagles.

‘I felt like we were a little bit maybe predictable the way we entered the ball inside our forward 50,’ Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said.

‘We had 31 inside 50s in the second half for four goals. So we need to make more of that.

‘And then late we didn’t quite execute the way wanted to execute. We need to be better at closing out games than we showed.’

Jaeger O’Meara (32 possessions) and Nathan O’Driscoll (25) racked up big numbers for Fremantle, while Josh Treacy kicked four goals.

Star Dockers recruit Shai Bolton looked rusty on the way to 15 disposals and four clearances.

Fremantle defender Brandon Walker was subbed off in the second quarter after dislocating his left shoulder.