Freo fans jostle for Geelong final

Fremantle members face a scramble for just 4000 tickets to the Dockers' opening finals clash with Geelong after the AFL's controversial decision to move the game to Simonds Stadium.

The country ground, which seats about 33,000, is expected to sell out quickly once tickets go on sale this morning, leaving Freo supporters concerned they may be locked out.

The AFL yesterday confirmed Dockers supporters had been allocated 4000 tickets, similar to what opposition supporters get at Patersons Stadium.

Priority sales for members run from 7am to 11am, with anyone missing out having to battle the general public once remaining seats go on sale at midday.

Despite low estimates from the AFL, a significant number of Fremantle supporters are expected to make the trip over, forking out more than $1000 for flights and accommodation in some cases.

Tickets will set an adult back $85 for category one seats, with family packages $140.

Available flights were selling out quickly yesterday, with the cheapest red-eye trip still costing more than $500 return.

Dockers cheer squad member John Vidovich said he was happy paying $530 return for his flights. "It's exciting," he said. "I fly over all the time but people have been waiting ages for this."

He said travelling supporters and Fremantle's steadily growing Melbourne support base would ensure a big purple contingent at Geelong.

"We're not very happy at the hour's extra travel time," Mr Vidovich said.

Last-minute hotel booking sites were offering two nights accommodation in Melbourne for $500 or more, while a hotel room in Geelong will cost at least $300 for Friday and Saturday nights.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the league examined "all the options" before shifting the game to Geelong.