Senior coach Justin Longmuir isn’t buying into commentary around a loss of form for experienced forward Michael Walters, saying the 31-year-old is delivering in a number of areas.
Walters has two goals from his five appearances so far this season but has been one of Fremantle’s experienced hands up front by winning the footy and applying pressure on the opposition.
With 20 disposals and six marks against GWS and 15 disposals and five marks against Essendon, Longmuir expects the goals to follow for the Freo star.
“I think he’s in really good form, he’s improved his footy, I think his pressure’s been elite. His contest has been really good and he’s been finding the footy,” Longmuir told 7NEWS.
“Like I said to him (at training) today, the finishing will come if he keeps putting the same effort out there.
“It’s unfortunate that he hasn’t got the reward of finishing his work off but I’m positive that it will come if he keeps putting the effort into his game like he has.”
Longmuir added that he’s confident fellow small forward Lachie Schultz will return after a week in the AFL’s Health and Safety Protocols.
“He’ll be a good chance, I did a session with him today,” Longmuir said.
“He feels really good within himself and seems to have got over the effects of Covid. It’s looking promising for him.”
Fremantle will be without two assistant coaches for Saturday’s clash with Carlton as Josh Carr and Matthew Boyd enter the Health and Safety Protocols.
“Unfortunately we’ll lose a couple of assistant coaches with Josh Carr and Matthew Boyd going into the safety protocols and we’ll miss them this week,” Longmuir said.
“That’s going to ask a little bit of the development coaches to step up and fill the void.”
Longmuir said captain Nat Fyfe is continuing to progress from a shoulder injury.
“He seems to be taking good steps forward now,” Longmuir said.
“He seems really comfortable with his body and he’s taking steps forward. We’re still unsure of a time frame but he’s moving in the right direction well and truly.”
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