Matthew Pavlich created ‘Wharfie Time’. Now the Swans have to put a stop to it

September 16, 2026 — 5:00am

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Long before he became chief executive of the Sydney Swans, Matthew Pavlich was a cultural architect.

Once upon a time, back in the olden days - round eight, 2009, to be precise - Pavlich, in his capacity as Fremantle captain, delivered an impassioned pre-match speech to his teammates, which included an unsubtle nod to the city’s working-class port side history.

The full impact of what he said would not be felt or even understood until almost two decades later.

“What a great opportunity this is, boys,” Pavlich told the huddle, just before Fremantle’s clash against Hawthorn at Subiaco Oval.

“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for all this season. Here’s our chance to gain momentum again, but it has to be underpinned by our hard work. How much fun has it been by working hard the last couple of weeks? How much fun has it been?

“Enjoy the moment, enjoy winning the hard ball. Ay - put on your Superman capes boys, it’s wharfie time!”

Whatever Pavlich was trying to achieve with that attempted rev-up, it definitely didn’t work. Hawthorn won 13.9 (87) to 9.11 (65); thus began a nine-match losing streak for the Dockers, who finished 14th that season. For the second season in a row.

For most of the club’s........

© The Sydney Morning Herald