Fremantle's bid to play 'Wharfie Time' during the grand final is set to be knocked on its head, with the AFL to play the role of party poopers for the cult-hit crowd activation.
Dockers icon Shaun McManus was among the many big names to throw his weight behind calls for Wharfie Time to light up Saturday's grand final against Brisbane, saying the MCG would "erupt" in a sea of purple.
The Dockers applied to incorporate the in-game activation before Monday's deadline for requests, but it's understood the AFL will say no.
Wharfie Time has previously only been used at Optus Stadium and has been a rare occurrence, with Fremantle keen to maintain a sense of mystique around it.
The button was famously pushed to inspire a come-from-behind win over Hawthorn in May and again in a close finish to the semi-final against Geelong this month.
"It's captured the nation," McManus told AAP before the AFL's decision had been made.
"If you're a Dockers supporter or a neutral you'll be up and about.
"The Brisbane Lions people wouldn't like to hear it because they know it has a big effect on the way the players go."
McManus likened the use of Wharfie Time to players regularly being allowed goal celebration songs, including in recent grand finals.
Most notable among them is Brisbane's star forward Charlie Cameron, whose choice of John Denver's 'Take Me Home Country Roads' is a huge hit with Lions fans.
"If it's good enough for them, they why not Fremantle?" McManus said at the launch of a PointsBet-sponsored bus that will take Fremantle fans on a 3000km pilgrimage across the Nullarbor for the grand final.
"Wharfie Time has been incredible. If they play that at the MCG, it will erupt."
Songs will again be permitted after goals during Saturday's grand final, but the lack of Wharfie Time is a blow to Dockers fans, many of whom have forked out thousands of dollars to attend the game.
McManus expects a huge number of Fremantle fans to make the trip to Melbourne.
The 228-game club legend and former captain believes the Dockers are the sentimental favourites among neutrals as they aim to secure the first premiership in the club's 32-year history.
"I know people say it's a neutral ground but it won't be on Saturday," McManus said.
"I can guarantee there'll be more Fremantle people than Brisbane Lions fans and there'll be more Melbourne people going for the Dockers.
"Being a lifelong Fremantle person, to see the boys get recognised for the way they've played this year, and the club, it's outstanding.
"And not only that, everyone's enjoying watching them play. They've had such a big year."
