The Dockers are going into their meeting with the Swans full of confidence after a strong win
Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong celebrate a goal during Fremantle’s round 15, 2024 clash against Gold Coast. AFL Photos captured the moment.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir believes his team has refocused after publicly criticizing them last week, and he intends to avoid labeling them as underdogs ahead of Saturday’s match against ladder leaders Sydney at the SCG.
Following a 67-point loss to the Western Bulldogs two weeks ago, Longmuir accused some of his midfielders of prioritizing personal stats.
However, the Dockers responded strongly last week, dominating for three quarters on their way to a 20-point victory over fellow finals contender Gold Coast.
Key midfielders Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong, and Hayden Young all made significant contributions, including getting on the scoresheet.
They face another tough challenge this week against Sydney’s formidable midfield lineup of Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, and James Rowbottom.
Reflecting on his earlier comments about midfield performance, Longmuir remarked, “It was a critique directed at the midfielders, but I don’t believe it was an overly harsh criticism.”
Here’s a rephrased version of the text:
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“I feel like we’ve realigned, and I believe the team gained a lot of confidence from our recent performance and our consistent efforts throughout the year.
“We are confident that when we prioritize the right values and execute our gameplan, we can compete against any opponent.”
In other news, Sydney (13-1) leads the ladder by three games after an impressive 10-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, Fremantle (8-5-1) sits fifth but faces a tough challenge against Sydney after losing captain Alex Pearce to a fractured left forearm, ruling him out for three to four weeks.
Alex Pearce watches on after the Round 15 match between Fremantle and Gold Coast at Optus Stadium on June 23, 2024. AFL Photos captured the moment.
However, despite challenges, Fremantle is determined to make a strong statement against the league’s top team.
“I haven’t really emphasized us being underdogs. I think that suggests we’re inferior,” Longmuir remarked.
“We’re heading there with belief. It’s going to require one of our most cohesive performances of the season.
“Our best football comes when we play as a collective unit of 18 or 22 players, and that’s what we’ll need this week. We’re not reliant on any one individual.
“Even though Pearce has performed admirably, we’ll fill his position and head there aiming for our best team performance across all four quarters.”
Justin Longmuir addressed his players during Fremantle’s match against the Western Bulldogs in round 14, 2024. AFL Photos captured the moment.
Last Saturday, Brennan Cox successfully completed 60 minutes of play in the WAFL reserves, marking his return from hamstring surgery.
Longmuir has decided against risking Cox in the upcoming game against the Swans. Instead, the 25-year-old will play a full match in the WAFL seniors.
This decision opens the door for first-year defender Josh Draper to likely make a return, partnering with last week’s debutant Hugh Davies.
Longmuir commented, “As much as we’re tempted to bring him back against Sydney, it’s not the right call. It might seem right for this week, but we have to consider what’s best for his long-term health, which is more important.”
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