The Fremantle Dockers have confirmed the long-expected appointment of Justin Longmuir as their next senior coach, on a three-year contract.
Longmuir joins the club after an extensive apprenticeship as an assistant coach, including the last two years at Collingwood under Nathan Buckley.
He also played 139 games for the Dockers, often as a teammate of Peter Bell, the current football manager who is expected to become the new CEO.
The Dockers have been heavily linked to Longmuir ever since Ross Lyon was sacked in August, but did not begin a formal process with him until Collingwood’s finals series came to an end last week.
The appointment will now provide the Dockers with some stability heading into the AFL trade period, which begins this Friday.
“It means everything to me to coach Fremantle,” Longmuir said.
“Fremantle gave me my first opportunity to play in the AFL, and for that I’m extremely grateful.
“I left the club knowing there was unfinished business here and I’ve returned determined to repay the faith that the club has again shown in me.
“I’m excited to get to work and get to know everyone around the club. It’s obviously changed a lot since I left but I’m genuinely excited to be back.”
Fremantle president Dale Alcock said the club was excited about the appointment.
“We are delighted, after what was a thorough, considered and comprehensive selection process, to have secured a person of Justin’s calibre and capability as senior coach of the Fremantle Dockers,” Alcock said.
“Given the high quality of the final candidates we were very particular to ensure we made a very considered decision.
“The selection panel was of the firm belief that Justin was the stand out candidate, with his playing and extensive coaching experience at three clubs, leaving him primed to take on the role as Fremantle’s senior coach.
“Justin stood out for us as someone who has been preparing for this role for the past 10 years.
“He’s had a successful career at both West Coast and at Collingwood more recently, and he knows what’s required to win and what’s required for sustained success.
“Justin not only has a great knowledge of the game but, most importantly, as a person he is someone who is absolutely genuine and driven to get our players to be the best that they can be.
“And if our players can be the best that they can be that makes for a really bright future for the Fremantle Football Club.
“With the reinvigoration and enthusiasm Justin will bring to the playing group combined with a fit and available list, we will head in to the 2020 season without any limit on what is possible.
“On behalf of the board, staff, players, members and supporters, we welcome Justin and his family back to Fremantle and look forward to exciting times ahead together.”
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Get the facts right DM it was NOT a vote on Lyon's future at all...... And where do you get this 50/50 ? sounds like you made that up as well, what survey was that. How do you know the 6pr and media polls were hijacked you said where's your evidence of that ? Your obviously in the minority, but your certainly entitled to have a opinion.
DM
Guest
As a 4 x premium member I can tell you the Members were never asked to vote on Ross' future. Perth Now, 6PR and various media outlets ran polls but they were hijacked by part time fans and other team's supporters. Like Don all I can go off is the dockers fans I know and they were split 50/50, most of the 50 against felt he should have been given the extra year but no doubt the appeal of Longmuir sped up the process. I also know that most non Dockers fans all wanted him sacked, very rare to have so many non supporters so vocal for a coaches sacking.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
Less talk and more Action on the field fremantle.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Walters is better than Mitchell, Mundy has been better than Mitchell and Hodge and Walters is still better than Kelly. Kelly would be nice but Freo does not need him. All they need is their 4 key forwards to be available, Pearce and Stephen Hill to be fit and Sturt and Laverde to be injury free enough to get a run at the game. A full season from Darcy and Blakely would help too. Lyon has set up immediate success...as per the club's 5 year plan. Sadly, they gave the fruit to his successor.
Lukey Miller
Guest
The club has made a sound choice. I am not sure that J-Lo has made such a sound choice. Here's hoping......
13th Man
Roar Rookie
considering Taberner and Hogan can't stay fit he would be a very good depth option.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Porky Pies again......not everyone who sits in the stands are members ! Members were contacted, maybe if you joined you might be more aware of what is happening down Freo way.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Of course we are members.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Because they are the keepers of WA footy and owned by the same parent corp.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Your obviously not a member, as you said maybe you were in the stand and were not asked. All of my large family and other members i know were contacted personally to participate in the survey. They did not walk around the stand your right there.
Chop
Roar Guru
I wonder if that really is a good thing, with the tight connections it reeks a bit of nepotism and you have to wonder if the whole selection process was as objective as it should've been. Time will tell I guess
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Can't see how Sokol would get a game.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He should stay at Geelong. His partner should consider his career and their future.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
There wasn't. No one in my area of the stand was ever polled. Logic alone would tell you that no club would conduct such a poll. I can believe that 6pr might have had a phone in. That membership poll just didn't happen. Made up.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Kelly has a big decision because I'm sure freos offer will be worth up to 2 million more than wce over the contract, whoever gets the deal done will be happy.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
I agree 6x6 but with the loss of Hill and Langdon plus every chance Blakely. Kelly has to be the first priority but i am sure he want's the Eagles. But Freo have not a good record with early picks for a long, long time. Apart from Fyfe no one has turned into a Hodge, Mitchell or Judd or likely to. You might jag one every 10 years. Kelly will and has to be the number one Priority for the short term success. Its only my opinion, i could be wrong. But i was right 18 months ago that Lyon should be sacked and replaced by Longmuir.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
I am like you 13th i am amongst hundreds of footy fans from all different team supporters, being heavily involved in the game and have not heard one that disagree with the sacking. Also attended member functions and mixing with them there has been very little support for Ross especially this season and even the previous year, it was clearly obvious that he had to go.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Just say Kelly comes to my boys, once you consider the draft hand Freo will have with the loss of hill and Langdon plus Henry as a NGA they'll be in an amazing position to really consolidate the list for the coming years, if they split pick 6 into two first rounders in the teens Freo could bring in 4 first rounders in this draft and WA has some high quality kids this year, without wce goggles on that's what I'd do if I was at Fremantle.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
Agree on this. I hope we go to the draft. Kelly seems set on West Coast as they are in a premiership window and good luck to him, we missed our chance 2 years ago to sign him for nothing. Liam Henry and Robertson would be great early selections and then Ben Sokol and Jye Bolton late.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
There was a poll amongst members and over 80% agreed with the decision. Members pay there hard earned money to the club, it's fair to say they are true fans. I'm yet to meet one Freo member that disagreed with sacking Ross.