Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir and veteran star David Mundy shared 34 games together as teammates, but they now find themselves with a different sort of dynamic.

After Longmuir was appointed as Fremantle’s senior coach at the end of the 2019 season, Mundy was cautious on how the pair’s transition to a player/coach relationship would feel.

But, after almost a year and a half in the role, it’s Longmuir’s relationship building ability and tactical nous that has left Mundy impressed.

“I played a handful of games with him and when he first came in I was a bit nervous on how that relationship might look and feel like,” Mundy told SEN Breakfast. 

“Justin has been great for our group…he has come in and really focused on bonding and connecting with the group first and foremost.

As a senior member of a young Fremantle playing group, Mundy said he felt the value in being a sounding board for Longmuir wherever he could.

“Justin seeks guidance and feedback on what we are trying to do in a gameplay sense but also week to week from a scheduling sense on how we can get the best out of the group.” Mundy said.

“As a senior player and a leader of our playing group, it is a great feeling to have a coach that seeks your advice and asks for your feedback.”

It’s that tactical nous Freo will look to draw on this Sunday when they take on Essendon at Marvel Stadium.

Fremantle will fly to Melbourne on Friday afternoon after being based on the Gold Coast for the past nine days.

“Last week was a bit of a whirlwind…it all kind of happened really quickly over one or two days and we found ourselves on the Gold Coast,” Mundy said.

“It has been great to get away as a group and to have the chance to bond in this kind of environment is really good for us.”