Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir has delivered a sharp rebuke to his players following their heavy defeat to the Western Bulldogs. In a stinging assessment, Longmuir accused some of his players of focusing more on their individual statistics rather than contributing to the team’s defensive efforts.
The Dockers were thoroughly outplayed, suffering a 67-point loss to the Bulldogs in round 14. This disappointing performance came just a week after their impressive 92-point victory over Melbourne, making the contrast even more striking. Longmuir did not mince words when addressing the media on Thursday, expressing his frustration over the team’s lack of defensive commitment.
“There’s no doubt in the seniors on the weekend that guys were worried more about how many possessions they got than how they competed in the contest, how they pressured the opposition and how they defended,” Longmuir stated firmly. “That’s not what I stand for as a coach.”
Fremantle, known for their strong defensive record this season, appeared out of character as they conceded 149 points to the Bulldogs. This marked their worst defensive outing since Longmuir took over four and a half years ago. The coach emphasized that the team’s issues were not due to offensive failures but a lapse in their defensive priorities and effort around the contest.
Despite his stern critique, Longmuir clarified that he did not single out any individual players in team meetings. He stressed that the problems faced were collective, stemming from a team-wide loss of focus and intensity. “No individuals got called out. The issues we covered in the team meeting were team issues,” he explained. “Yes, some individuals were in the individual clips, but they were only highlighted because it was a team problem. Everyone needs to bounce back.”
The coach acknowledged that the players had accepted responsibility for their poor showing and were eager to make amends. “They came in and owned it,” Longmuir said. “They’re up and about, they want to redeem themselves.” He also defended his typically calm and composed approach, stating that he does not overreact to single performances, whether good or bad.
Looking ahead, Fremantle will face the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday evening, aiming to return to winning ways and solidify their push for a finals spot in 2024. Longmuir expressed confidence that his team could realign and regain their form, citing their dominant win against Melbourne just two games prior as evidence of their potential.
As the Dockers prepare for their next challenge, the focus will be on returning to the fundamentals that have defined their season: defensive solidity, pressure around the contest, and a united team effort. With Longmuir’s clear expectations and the players’ commitment to improvement, Fremantle fans will be hoping for a strong response on the field.