Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has expressed his frustration over the current AFL fixture setup, advocating for all 18 clubs to kick off their season simultaneously. This call for change comes after Fremantle’s disappointing loss to Geelong, where they squandered a 35-point lead in their 2026 campaign opener.
The match saw the Geelong Cats outlast the Dockers, recovering from their initial defeat against the Gold Coast Suns. The Cats managed to turn the tide in the second half, scoring 3.8 to secure their victory.
Longmuir, visibly frustrated, stated,
“I think anyone who has been around football would realise this is an advantage. We should all start the season the same way. There should be no competitive advantage in teams having played a game before they play another team. It just makes so much sense to people in the industry. We’ve just got it wrong.”
Controversial Fixture Timing
The current AFL fixture allows some teams to play before others, potentially giving them a competitive edge. Longmuir’s comments highlight a growing concern among coaches and players about the fairness of this system. When asked if Fremantle had approached the AFL with these concerns, Longmuir tersely replied, “we’ve said enough.”
Fremantle’s strong start with eight goals in the first quarter showcased their potential, a period where Longmuir noted the team’s game foundations appeared “really good.” However, the Dockers struggled to adapt to Geelong’s strategic adjustments after halftime.
Game Analysis and Team Performance
Longmuir reflected on the game, acknowledging the team’s loss of composure and basic skills under pressure.
“Lost a bit of composure with ball in hand, our basics fell away, we succumb to their pressure a little bit,” the seventh-year Dockers coach said. “We’re disappointed with the way we handled the second half, disappointed with how we handled the last quarter.”
He further criticized the team’s defensive efforts against Geelong and their inability to capitalize on opportunities. “We got a bit sloppy and the way they were playing left us really vulnerable the other way,” Longmuir added.
Looking Ahead
Fremantle will return to Perth for their first home game of the season next Saturday night against Melbourne. The match will also see Judd McVee, who made his debut with the Dockers, face off against his former team.
This development follows a broader conversation about fixture fairness and competitive balance in the AFL. As clubs and fans alike call for more equitable scheduling, the league’s response could shape the future of the sport.
Meanwhile, Fremantle’s focus will be on regrouping and refining their strategies as they prepare to face Melbourne. The outcome of this upcoming match could set the tone for the rest of their season, making it a crucial test for Longmuir and his team.
