Justin Longmuir is looking to keep selection simple over the final six rounds of the season: play well, keep your spot.
Strong back-to-back performances against Port Adelaide at home and a 41-point win over St Kilda on the road have impressed the Senior Coach, with even contributions across the team in both weeks.
Longmuir emphasised his desire to reward performance and keep a consistent line-up week-to-week at AFL level.
“We’ve had two pretty good performances over the last two weeks and played some really strong footy,” Longmuir said.
“For me, that says a lot about the players in that they played their role for the team, and as a coach, I always like to reward good form.
“(Selection) will be a tough one, but it’s a good position for us to be in as a match committee.”
Match Day Information: Round 18 v Sydney
Fremantle were set to go into the Saints clash unchanged for the first time this season before the late withdrawal of Alex Pearce prior to the bounce.
It’s a level of consistency in the side that Longmuir felt he was yet to see this year, with pressure on for spots at the senior level evident.
“From the Port game to the St Kilda game, we were going to go in unchanged until Alex hurt himself,” Longmuir said.
“We haven’t had that consistency I don’t think this year, so I think it’s a good time of year to keep a consistent side out there, playing together, working together and getting that cohesion right heading into the pointy end of the season.
“If a players form isn’t up to scratch in the AFL, then the guys at the WAFL are banging the door down and they will get a game.”
Wednesday’s main training session was held under lights at Victor George Kailis Oval, in a change up to the usual mid-morning weekly training routine.
Longmuir said the players relished the opportunity to train at night, and would hold the group in good stead for Saturday’s night game against Sydney at Optus Stadium.
“We have got some night games coming up and I think it keeps training a little bit fresh and gives it something a little bit different,” Longmuir said.
“The players enjoy training at night, and it lifts the buzz and brings the energy, it’s a good change up.”