School pride runs purple

Purple pride is sweeping through WA public schools as students and staff rally behind the Fremantle Dockers and celebrate former students taking part in the AFL Grand Final.

At Willetton Senior High School, former student Luke Jackson's AFL dreams were on record long before he reached football's biggest stage. 

In his Year 12 yearbook, Luke was voted ‘Most likely to become famous’ and, when asked where he saw himself in 10 years, answered simply: ‘Playing in the AFL’.  

Seven years later, the former specialist basketball program student is preparing to play in his second AFL Grand Final. 

Willetton Senior High School Specialist Basketball Program Coordinator Mike Forsyth said Luke's determination and humility had always stood out. 

“Luke demonstrated remarkable athletic ability and worked tirelessly to compete at the highest level,” Mr Forsyth said. 

"He was always receptive to feedback, remained humble despite his talent and fully embraced every opportunity. We're proud to see him enjoy such success in the AFL." 

At Cape Naturaliste College and Vasse Primary School, staff and students are eagerly backing former student and Fremantle forward Jye Amiss. 

Cape Naturaliste College Associate Principal Rob Nail said the college community was immensely proud of Jye's achievements. 

"Jye has achieved great success on the football field, but we are equally proud of the fantastic young man he has become," he said. 

"The entire Cape Nat community is behind him as he prepares for the AFL Grand Final, and we know he will continue to make us proud." 

Across the state, schools have been sharing messages of support, donning purple clothing and recording video messages for the players and officials representing their communities on the biggest day in Australian football. 

In Geraldton, students at Mount Tarcoola Primary School are also getting behind former student Judd McVee, who is preparing for his first AFL Grand Final with the Dockers. 

While much of the focus is on the players, Willetton Senior High School has another reason to celebrate. 

Class of 2019 graduate Jordan Russell will make his AFL Grand Final debut as a boundary umpire, adding to the school's representation on football's biggest stage. 

Across Western Australia, a sea of purple has emerged in public schools, with students and staff donning team colours, decorating classrooms and sharing messages of support ahead of the AFL Grand Final. 

At Fremantle College, the celebrations will see the school renamed ‘Fremantle Dockers College’ for the final day of Term 3. 

The displays of support reflect the excitement being felt across the state as school communities get behind the Dockers on football's biggest day.