Justin Longmuir gave the first of what is set to be many addresses to the playing group on Saturday, with the new Fremantle senior coach taking the stage at the Doig Medal presentation dinner at Crown Perth.
Longmuir said he was proud to return to the Fremantle Football Club and called on the whole organisation to channel the passion of the Purple Army.
“It’s good to be back, it does feel like I’ve come home,” Longmuir said.
“There’s still a lot of familiar faces at the football club and I think that’s made the transition relatively easy so far.
“I mentioned the other day that the one thing that resonates for me was the passion and the passion that the fans bring.
“I have no doubt that we have the most passionate supporters in the AFL and we need to channel some of that passion and bring that passion to our work every day and use that passion to be the best that we can be as an organisation and as individuals.”
Longmuir told the playing group that his aim as senior coach was to empower them to be at their best.
“We’re going to put all the support and all the programs around you that will help you be the best you can be,” Longmuir said.
“We’ll empower you to make decisions on your own careers. The decisions you make today and over the next period of time will lead to the opportunities that you get over pre-season and come season start.
“I’m a big believer in empowering people and I’m a big believer that young men have to make decisions towards their own career and I’ll empower you to do that.
“We are all in this together. I know the enormity of my role and I can’t do it without the support of each and every one of you in this room. Let’s make this club great.”
