Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has revealed that last season's heavy defeat to St Kilda served as a pivotal moment for his squad, as they prepare to make history against their former mentor Ross Lyon this Friday night.
Turning Point for the Dockers
Early in 2023, the Dockers suffered a disastrous 61-point loss to the Saints, leaving the club at a crossroads with mounting pressure on both the team and the coaching staff. However, since that setback, Fremantle has won 21 of their subsequent 26 matches. Longmuir expressed pride in how the group has united following that defeat.
“I think a lot has changed, we were a little bit inconsistent at the start of last year due to some injuries,” Longmuir told 7NEWS. “It was a bit of hardship when we were under that pressure, but I think it galvanised the group and we really learned a lot about how we play our best footy and what we stand for as a team.”
He added: “But we started getting a healthier team and playing a little bit more consistent football, I think clearly you learn from those types of experiences. I’m really proud of how the players bounced out of that and how consistent we’ve been as a team since then. There’s still a lot of work to do, but clearly we’re on the right path.”
Injury Updates Ahead of Saints Clash
The Dockers will attempt to secure a club-record 10th consecutive victory without captain Alex Pearce, who has been ruled out due to the short five-day break following their win over Essendon. “Unfortunately, he’s going to miss this week, given the short break, it’s just not worth the risk, but we’re hoping next week he’ll be right to go,” Longmuir said.
Small forward Isaiah Dudley, who was heavily concussed during the Essendon match, is expected to be available. “I thought he was gone at halftime, but he found big courage to be able to go out there in the second half and contribute. We’ve got a short break, but all signs are positive at the moment,” Longmuir noted.
Midfielder Jaeger O’Meara could make his return for the first time since round five after recovering from multiple facial fractures sustained in a training accident. “Jaeger completed a session over the weekend and is progressing really well. He will be back into main training tomorrow and will be a test to play,” performance director Adam Beard confirmed.
Utility Corey Wagner is also likely for an immediate recall after missing the trip to the MCG due to an abductor injury.
Longmuir Responds to Warner Speculation
Longmuir also addressed comments from Sydney star Chad Warner, who earlier stated he was leaning toward a return to Western Australia before re-signing with the Swans last year. “I’m sure we’ll have that discussion when it comes about, but at the moment, he’s a contracted player at another club, so I’ll just let that one go to the list management committee,” Longmuir said.
