AFL: Fremantle makes call on Justin Longmuir contract extension

As Fremantle looks to finish in the top eight for the first time since 2015, the club has moved to lock in a crucial senior club figure.

Fremantle have tied down senior coach Justin Longmuir until the end of the 2024 season. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Fremantle has tied down senior coach Justin Longmuir until the end of the 2024 season after he penned a two-year extension to his original deal.

Longmuir has almost become part of the furniture with the Dockers, having spent his entire playing career with the club before taking the reins as coach in September 2019.

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In his two full seasons at the helm, the 40-year-old has led Fremantle to a 12th and 11th place finish in 2020 and 2021 respectively as he continues to develop one of the youngest lists in the AFL.

The chance to prolong his stay in Fremantle “doesn’t really change” Longmuir’s approach, but he admits it is a nice reflection of the faith the powerbrokers at the club have in his work so far.

“I’m very humbled and very grateful for this opportunity,” Longmuir said.

“This contract extension doesn’t really change my approach, it’s just nice to know that board and management are happy with the work I’m doing so far.

“This isn’t my club, it’s everyone’s club, and I’ve got to do the right thing by Fremantle and everyone who supports us.

Fremantle senior coach Justin Longmuir has signed a two-year extension with the club that will keep him until the end of the 2024 season. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“As senior coach, that is my aim and I’ll continue to do that.”

While it is nice to be recognised for his efforts to date, Longmuir concedes he is “not satisfied at all” in terms of what he and his players have achieved so far as the Dockers look to break into the top eight for the first time since 2015.

“Our responsibility is to make sure we set up an environment where all of our players can be their best selves and reach their potential,” Longmuir said.

“If we can do that, things do look very exciting, but there’s a lot of work that has to go into achieving our goals. We have to keep doing the work.

“I’m pleased with where we are but not satisfied at all.

“We have to keep growing our culture and a lot of work to do with the way we play – every individual has a say in that.”

Fremantle will kick off its 2022 campaign with an away trip to Adelaide Oval where a clash against the Adelaide Crows awaits.

Originally published as AFL: Fremantle makes call on Justin Longmuir contract extension