Only a handful of current Fremantle players worked with Justin Longmuir during his one year as an assistant coach in 2010. 

On the final day of the 2019 Telstra Trade Period, Freo added a player who has more recent experience working with the club’s new senior coach.

A former Collingwood player, who on Wednesday signed with Fremantle, James Aish spent two years working in the defensive unit overseen by Longmuir.

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Aish only had praise for Longmuir and said he was a big factor in his request to join Fremantle 

“I really respected and valued the way Justin coached and I think I could see myself having a role with him,” Aish said.

“As well as that, it was the look of the club and the list as well, I just saw the opportunity to develop my career, develop as a player and a person at Fremantle.”

Aish said that Longmuir had a great tactical mind.

“From a game plan point of view, he’s probably the best I’ve had,” Aish said. 

“He’s really good at teaching what he wants to get across. With the Collingwood defensive group, I think positively changed these players by being there. He’s really effective as a teacher and he’s also big on the mental side of things.

“He wants to improve his players, just how to handle being a professional athlete and all the challenges that possesses as well. 

“He’s going to build good relationships with people and coach in the most effective way possible.”