Fremantle Dockers promised a home final at Patersons Stadium

FREMANTLE's worst nightmare became a reality last night when the AFL ordered them to Simonds Stadium to face Geelong on Saturday in the second qualifying final.

FREMANTLE's worst nightmare became a reality last night when the AFL ordered them to Simonds Stadium to face Geelong on Saturday in the second qualifying final.

Days of private lobbying and public criticism from the Dockers failed to sway the league in its decision, and the former Kardinia Park is to host the first final in its history.

Thousands of fans could be locked out, though Fremantle members have equal rights to tickets with Geelong members and can buy them from 7am tomorrow.

OPINION: AFL wrong on late Geelong call

The Dockers, who have won in Geelong only once in 13 attempts, sought to have the game played at Etihad Stadium, where they had won five straight matches before yesterday.

This week the club will have to reaffirm its belief in its "anywhere, anytime" motto, despite having complained bitterly about the prospect of going to Simonds Stadium.

Fremantle finished the regular season third yesterday after a second-string outfit was belted by 71 points by St Kilda, and the Cats beat Brisbane by just one point.

In better news, Fremantle have been assured they will get to host their home final at Patersons Stadium, after the AFL ruled out Eddie McGuire's provocative suggestion that the game be shifted to the MCG.

Fixturing a potential home semi-final for the Dockers in week two is a major headache for the league, with Patersons booked for a rugby international on Saturday, September 14.

If the Dockers lose against Geelong next week, they will host a semi-final at Patersons on Friday, September 13. If they beat the Cats, the rugby problem will be averted because they would get a week off before hosting a preliminary final, likely on Saturday, September 21.