The match will also see another bell enjoy its final outing at Subiaco Oval before it too is moves into retirement. But unlike the Bell who amassed 286 AFL games over a stellar 14 year career that heralded two premierships, four best and fairest awards, six consecutive State of Origin selections and the Fremantle Captaincy, this bell has achieved nothing of the sort. It has, however, been a regular at Subiaco Oval and is fiercely linked with Fremantle.
The bell is one of stainless steel, measuring 20cm in height and 10cm in width and belongs to 17 year old Member Jake Hammond. It has accompanied Jake to every Fremantle match at Subiaco Oval since 2003 and ventured east on occasion and has been rung every time Fremantle’s No. 32 collected possession.
Following Sunday’s tribute to Peter, Jake’s personal mark of respect for Peter the footballer will end and the bell will take pride of place on the mantle at the Hammond residence as it goes into retirement. It will signal the end of a ringing tribute that has lasted six seasons but Jake is committed to giving Peter one loud final effort before he ‘hangs up the bell boots’.
“I’ll be ringing the bell until my arm falls off,” Jake said of his intentions when Peter is introduced to the crowd just after 2.30pm on Sunday.
“I have always been impressed with the way he went about his footy and his contributions to Fremantle mean so much to so many supporters.
“He has been a great servant for Fremantle and he deserves a great send off on Sunday and I will try to do my best to help give it to him.”
The Fremantle Football Club will celebrate Peter’s career of Peter against St Kilda and Senior Coach Mark Harvey wants as strong an ovation for Peter as the crowd afforded Shaun McManus prior to his final game against West Coast a fortnight ago.
“In the lead up to Shaun’s last game I encouraged everyone to dress up in purple and arrive at the ground early to give Shaun a send off he would never forget. I am asking our fans to replicate their great efforts this Sunday to give Peter as memorable a moment as they afforded Shaun,” Mark said.
Prior to Fremantle taking to the field, Peter will be introduced to the crowd at 2:31pm ahead of the Fremantle team running through the banner. Once the team has broken through the banner, a video tribute to Peter’s career will be played on the big screen on top of the NAB Stand. Following the video tribute Peter will address the crowd.
Peter, who captained Fremantle from 2002-2006, announced his retirement on Monday 7 July, ending a stellar 286-game career that included two premierships, three Doig Medals and a host of other achievements.
Mark encouraged all Fremantle fans coming to the game to arrive in time and be in their seats to help give Peter an ovation fitting to the honour his achievements not only with Fremantle, but throughout his career.
“Peter is arguably the finest player to wear the Fremantle jumper and is one of the greatest players to come out of WA,” Mark said.
“I encourage everyone who will be at Subiaco Oval on Sunday to again show how proud, loyal and passionate they are by dressing in purple and showing Peter their gratitude for all he has done to help the Fremantle Football Club become what it is today.”
