Like anyone in a new role, senior coach Justin Longmuir is learning on the job and revealed on RSN one way he’s evolved through his debut season as senior coach.
Longmuir said he had planned to be a stoic presence in the coaching box on game days but, as has been noticed by fans and broadcasters, he’s been much more enthusiastic and animated as he watches his players in action.
This was especially the case in Fremantle’s 14-point win against Melbourne at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns.
“I thought I would stonewall it and didn’t think any emotions would take over me,” Longmuir told RSN.
“I’ve tried to not get emotionally involved but I feel like I coach better when I’m involved and communicating with the guys in the box and there’s good dialogue.
“Last week I definitely did ride every contest and every bump and I try and find the line with that.
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing some of the time, to show your players how much you care for them. You’re out there with them in some sense.”
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Longmuir feels he’s seen proof of the playing group coming together and improving throughout he season.
One sign is in the results. After starting the season winless after four rounds, Fremantle have won six of the next 11 games.
He said Fremantle’s consistency has played a big role in getting more wins on the board.
“We’ve improved our footy across the year and we’ve got better each week, which is a good sign,” Longmuir said.
Couldn’t be PROUDER ?? #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/rrVul3f89w
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) September 7, 2020
“I think early in the year, when we lost our first four games, that was on the back of playing some good footy at times but we just had some horrendous quarters and some really bad momentum swings. We would cough up four goals in a row and that would be the story of the game.
“We’ve managed to improved that area, we’re a lot more consistent across the board and I feel the players have got a good grasp on the type of game we want to play.
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