Fremantle Dockers head coach Justin Longmuir expressed confidence in his team’s ability to thrive in the upcoming AFL finals, emphasizing the importance of a contested game style as they pursue their first premiership. The Dockers secured a crucial victory against the Western Bulldogs last round, which not only showcased their strong form but also set them up for a home elimination final on September 16, 2023, against either Hawthorn or Gold Coast.
Longmuir highlighted that the nature of finals football tends to favour teams that excel in contested situations. He noted, “Against the good sides, free-flowing ball movement doesn’t come into it as much and it becomes about the contest a lot more.” This approach has been integral to Fremantle’s success this season, leading to a commendable record of 7-3 against top-half teams.
The coach pointed out that the Dockers’ ability to force turnovers and create contest opportunities has been pivotal. “If you get that right, your ball movement sometimes looks after itself,” he added. This strategy will be crucial as Fremantle prepares for their finals campaign, their first in three years and only the second under Longmuir’s leadership since he took over in 2020.
Fremantle’s elimination final squad is expected to include many players who participated in their previous finals appearance, where they were eliminated in the second week. Longmuir remarked, “There’s a fair few players there but there’s also a lot of change. We’ve evolved the forward line especially since then.” He emphasized that this year’s focus is on growth rather than dwelling on the past.
The team will benefit from the pre-finals bye, which Longmuir views as advantageous. This break will allow Hayden Young to enhance his fitness after recently returning from a soft-tissue injury sustained in their win over the Bulldogs. Young’s performance included 16 disposals and six clearances while managing 65 percent of game time.
Longmuir noted, “It’s a bit of a build for him and that’s the bonus of the two weeks.” He indicated that Young would engage in a significant training session, which would prepare him for the upcoming match.
The Dockers have four players—Andrew Brayshaw, Jordan Clark, Luke Jackson, and Caleb Serong—nominated for the prestigious All-Australian squad, with the final selections to be announced soon. Young talent Murphy Reid is also a leading contender for the Rising Star award. Longmuir expressed hope for all the nominees, stating, “They’ve all had really consistent years and helped us get where they are, so fingers crossed for all of them.”
As Fremantle gears up for this critical juncture in their season, the focus remains on leveraging their strengths in contested play to navigate through the finals successfully. The Dockers are determined to capitalize on their momentum and aim for a significant breakthrough in this year’s AFL competition.
