Couple fly flag for emergency services at Dockers’ Lights and Sirens match

A pair of Dockers fans, brought together through their jobs on the frontline, took centre stage at Fremantle’s Lights and Sirens Round at Optus Stadium last weekend.

St John WA’s Amanda Howell, and her partner, Senior Constable David Holmes from WA Police, got the opportunity to take part in the coin toss and guard of honour at the start of the AFL match.

Fremantle’s Round 21 AFL clash against the Western Bulldogs gave fans the opportunity to see the many roles of emergency services around Western Australia while recognising their efforts to keep the state safe and well.

It was a dream come true for Wagin local Amanda, who convinced her English partner David to barrack for the Dockers too.

Dressed in their work uniforms and football scarves, the highlight was meeting Fremantle captain Alex Pearce at the coin toss.

They also joined the guard of honour with other emergency services personnel, cheering on the teams on as they ran out on to the ground.

“It’s so nice to be acknowledged and for the WA public to actually see the people who are out there on the frontline,” Amanda said.

Amanda has been a part of the St John WA team for nearly 12 years.

She started out as a volunteer ambulance officer at St John’s Wagin Sub Centre and now works as a country ambulance transport officer and a regional training development coordinator in Narrogin.

Amanda and David met while attending an emergency incident and continued crossing paths at work.

Soccer fan and lifelong Liverpool Football Club supporter David has made room in his life for AFL and the Fremantle Dockers, thanks to Amanda’s passion for the team.

“I introduced David to AFL and have since dragged him along to several games – he loves it,” Amanda said.

“He was just thrilled with the opportunity to be able do this together.”

Despite their busy roles supporting the safety and wellbeing of their local communities, the couple have still managed to attend several games in Perth this season.

And Amanda has her heart set on a grand final win for Fremantle this year.

“They have every chance, and I’m so hopeful,” she said.