With Justin Longmuir currently in the AFL’s health and safety protocols, defender Alex Pearce ensured the Club’s environment ‘has stayed very much the same’ despite his absence.
Pearce spoke to the media on Wednesday morning and said that while the Senior Coach may not be physically present due to protocols, he is still making an impact and communicating well with the team and support staff.
“Everything’s stayed pretty much the same, it’s obviously not ideal, but JL still has an impact,” Pearce said.
“He’s still involved in our meetings and communicating with players and coaches.”
Assistant Coach Jaymie Graham has stepped up in Longmuir’s absence and has been credited as a ‘calming influence’ during a challenging period.
Graham helped secure Freo’s biggest ever RAC Derby win during round three, which saw Fremantle take down West Coast by 55-points.
“Jaymie Graham stepped up and was a real calming influence and kept the messages really similar, which is what we’re going to do this weekend as well,” Pearce said.
“Jaymie’s been really good in his communication with us.
“Our assistant coaches have stepped up and the players have stepped up.
“The environment has stayed very much the same, which is what we’d expect really.”
Pearce also commented on his role of stand-in skipper for the past two rounds due to Nat Fyfe’s absence.
“My role on game day is the same, to keep the guys motivated and connected to our focuses throughout the game and that didn’t change,” Pearce said.
“I tacked onto Jaymie’s message, which was pretty similar to what it has been over the last couple of weeks.
“It doesn’t change too much, we all just need to continue doing what we’re doing.
“Keep following our focuses and our game plan, which has been in place for months and years now.”
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Longmuir is expected to return to the Club next week ahead of Freo’s round five clash with Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
“We’ll just keep things similar and welcome ‘JL’ back next week,” Pearce said.
“We’re all in this together.”
