Justin Longmuir can finally exhale after leading the Fremantle Dockers to an extraordinary regular season conclusion, securing a spot in the AFL finals. Despite winning 16 games, the Dockers only narrowly made it into the top eight, highlighting the widening gap between the AFL’s elite teams and the rest. This success is a testament to Longmuir’s unwavering commitment to his “system,” even when the season seemed destined for failure.
The six-season senior coach faced intense scrutiny in 2025, especially after Dockers’ chief executive Simon Garlick asserted that the team was in contention, and Longmuir’s contract was adjusted to a rolling deal. In July, AFL commentator David King declared that Longmuir was “under the most pressure in the AFL right now,” emphasizing the necessity for the Dockers to reach the finals to validate Longmuir’s leadership.
Turning the Tide
After a rocky start with a 4-4 record, including heavy defeats by Geelong and St Kilda, Longmuir’s position seemed precarious. However, his steadfast support for his players paid off as the Dockers clinched 12 victories in their final 14 games. Notable wins included triumphs over Port in Adelaide, a narrow victory against Collingwood at the MCG, and challenging road wins against GWS and Gold Coast.
The decisive moment came in a high-stakes clash with the Western Bulldogs at Docklands. The Bulldogs, entering as favorites, led by 15 points at quarter time. Yet, the Dockers turned the game on its head with a stunning seven-goal second quarter, ultimately securing a home final and a shot at their first AFL premiership.
Support from Within
Fremantle defender Luke Ryan underscored Longmuir’s impact, dismissing external criticism as “absolute bullsh*t.” Speaking to ABC Radio Grandstand, Ryan expressed the team’s unwavering support for their coach, highlighting the fickle nature of public opinion.
“We all love him inside the four walls. He cops it so much… Then we win one game and they’re all over us, they love us. Then we lose one game and then he’s the worst coach in the AFL again. It’s a load of bullsh*t.” – Luke Ryan
Longmuir’s faith in the next generation of Dockers proved crucial. Role players like Karl Worner, Corey Wagner, and Bailey Banfield became integral parts of the team, allowing stars to shine.
Challenges and Opportunities
The journey to the finals was not without its challenges. The Dockers’ lack of percentage haunted them, with losses to teams they were expected to beat, such as Melbourne, St Kilda, and Sydney, complicating their path. Despite these setbacks, Fremantle’s presence in the finals is a testament to their resilience.
As the Dockers prepare for September, the possibility of a fairytale finish for Nat Fyfe remains. A premiership would be the crowning achievement of Fyfe’s illustrious career, potentially elevating him above Matthew Pavlich as the greatest Dockers player.
Nat Fyfe came on as a substitute in the fourth quarter for Fremantle, and may still end his career with an AFL flag. (AAP: Richard Wainwright)
The Road Ahead
While the Dockers’ path to the finals was fraught with tension, their presence in the competition underscores the unpredictable nature of the AFL. As Longmuir and his team look ahead, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and seizing the opportunity to secure Fremantle’s first AFL premiership.
With the finals on the horizon, the Dockers are poised to make their mark. As the saying goes, “you have to be in it to win it,” and Fremantle is very much in it. The stage is set for what could be a historic conclusion to the 2025 AFL season.
