Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has expressed frustration over the current AFL fixture, advocating for a return to a traditional schedule where all 18 clubs start their season simultaneously. This call for change comes after Fremantle surrendered a 35-point lead, ultimately losing to Geelong in their 2026 season opener.
The Dockers appeared dominant early on, scoring eight goals in the opening quarter. However, Geelong, recovering from their initial loss to the Gold Coast Suns, outperformed Fremantle in the second half, securing a comeback victory. The Cats capitalized on Fremantle’s faltering defense, kicking 3.8 in the latter half of the match.
Longmuir’s Call for Fixture Reform
After the game, Longmuir voiced his concerns about the perceived competitive imbalance caused by staggered season starts. “I think anyone who has been around football would realize this is an advantage,” Longmuir stated. “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.”
When questioned about whether Fremantle had formally approached the AFL with these concerns, Longmuir replied, “we’ve said enough.”
Game Analysis: Where Fremantle Faltered
Despite a strong start, Fremantle struggled to adapt to Geelong’s adjustments after halftime. Longmuir noted, “Lost a bit of composure with ball in hand, our basics fell away, we succumb to their pressure a little bit.” The Dockers’ inability to defend effectively and capitalize on counter-attacks left them vulnerable.
The seventh-year coach expressed disappointment in how his team managed the second half, particularly the final quarter. “We’re disappointed with the way we handled the second half, disappointed with how we handled the last quarter,” Longmuir added. “Didn’t defend Geelong well enough. When we did create opportunities back the other way, we didn’t tidy our work off. We got a bit sloppy and the way they were playing left us really vulnerable the other way.”
Looking Ahead: Fremantle’s Next Challenge
Fremantle will now return to Perth for their first home game of the season, set to take place next Saturday night against Melbourne. This match will mark a significant moment for Judd McVee, who will face off against his former team, adding an intriguing subplot to the upcoming fixture.
As the AFL season progresses, Longmuir’s comments may reignite discussions about the league’s scheduling practices. The debate over fixture fairness is not new, but with prominent voices like Longmuir’s calling for change, the AFL may face increased pressure to reevaluate its approach.
Historical Context and Expert Opinions
The staggered start to the AFL season has been a topic of contention for years. Critics argue that allowing some teams to play before others can create an uneven playing field, potentially impacting team performance and fan engagement. While the AFL has traditionally defended the practice as a way to maximize television exposure and audience reach, the conversation around fairness continues to evolve.
Sports analysts have noted that teams with an early start can potentially gain momentum and confidence, whereas those starting later may face additional pressure. In contrast, proponents of the current system argue that it adds excitement and variety to the season’s opening weeks.
As Fremantle prepares for their next match, the broader implications of Longmuir’s comments remain to be seen. Will the AFL consider a unified start for all teams in future seasons? Only time will tell, but for now, Fremantle’s focus will be on bouncing back and securing a victory on home turf.
