West Coast fans keep the faith in jam-packed Perth venues
Gritted teeth and heads burried in hands made way for tears of joy and overwhelming elation at Perth venues at the end of the West Coast Eagles' nail-biting grand final win over the Collingwood Magpies on Saturday.
Crown sports bar was packed to the brim with punters arriving at 6am to secure a spot between the three super screens.
The atmosphere was intense, electric and the jam-packed crowd screamed, cried and cheered meaning no room for light conversation.
Beer flowed freely and but most of it splashed to the floor as the match ended.
Just up the road at Optus Stadium thousands of fans watched the game on the big screens.
An Optus Stadium spokesman said there were 8000 tickets sold to the event but rain saw far fewer turn up.
There was still plenty of spirit amongst the punters that did turn up.
Children were waving the Eagles’ flag, while some diehard fans painted themselves in blue and gold.
The few Collingwood fans that did show up were subdued.
Every fan WAtoday spoke to thought the Eagles would win but no one picked Luke Shuey as the Norm Smith Medallist.
WA's regional teams also got behind the Eagles.
In Bunbury pubs were packed to the brim with raucous supporters.
Check out the Fairfax Media live blog of the Grand Final for a blow-by-blow account of the big game.