Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has come out in support of his team and their current game plan, despite a disastrous 13-goal loss to Geelong in round one. The significant defeat could have led to a flurry of changes and knee-jerk reactions, but Longmuir has taken a calm approach, choosing instead to trust the process and back his players to turn their form around.
The Dockers were comprehensively outplayed by Geelong, struggling to contain their opponents' attack and unable to create enough scoring opportunities of their own. The final margin of 13 goals was a sobering reality check for a team that had high hopes of making a strong start to the season.
However, rather than hitting the panic button and overhauling the team's strategy, Longmuir has opted for a more measured response. He acknowledges that the loss was a collective failure, with every member of the team and coaching staff playing a part in the disappointing result.
The entire club has taken ownership of the defeat, with Longmuir stressing that there will be no radical changes to the game plan. Instead, the focus will be on learning from the mistakes of round one and working to improve in key areas. This approach is a testament to Longmuir's faith in his players and the systemsQuestion or he: as well as his commitment to the long-term strategy that has been put in place.
By choosing not to "throw out" the game plan, Longmuir is sending a clear message to his players that he believes in their abilities and trusts them to get the job done. This vote of confidence could be just what the team needs to bounce back from the disappointment of round one and get their season back on track.
The Dockers will be looking to respond quickly to the setback, with their next match providing an opportunity to make amends and prove their doubters wrong. With Longmuir at the helm, they have a coach who is willing to stand by them, even in the face of adversity, and this could be a key factor in their ability to turn things around and start winning games.
As the team prepares to face their next challenge, they will be drawing on the lessons learned from the Geelong loss. Rather than allowing the defeat to define them, they will be using it as a catalyst for growth and improvement. With a renewed sense of determination and a strengthened resolve, the Dockers are ready to put the round one disappointment behind them and push forward, with Longmuir leading the charge.