David King Questions Fremantle's Tactics After Shock Loss to Sydney – Is Longmuir Feeling the Heat?
Fremantle's finals hopes took a serious hit on Sunday after a lacklustre performance against the Sydney Swans, and now veteran football analyst David King has fired a pointed critique at coach Justin Longmuir. King, known for his direct commentary on AFL 360, didn't hold back, suggesting Longmuir's game plan might be holding the Dockers back from reaching their full potential.
The Dockers' 17-point defeat at the SCG saw them tumble out of the top eight, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning their consistency. While injuries have undoubtedly played a part in Fremantle’s struggles, King believes tactical adjustments are crucial to their survival in the finals race.
“I’m starting to question some of the things we’re seeing from Fremantle,” King stated. “They’re not connecting the dots effectively. The forward entries are predictable, and they're not utilising their midfield to its strengths. Justin needs to have a look at how they're setting up and what they’re asking of their players.”
King specifically highlighted the team’s reliance on small forward entries, suggesting it makes them vulnerable to taller, more athletic defensive lines. He argued that a more varied approach, incorporating more long balls and exploiting space on the flanks, could unlock Fremantle’s attack.
The criticism comes at a sensitive time for Longmuir, who is in his fourth season as coach. While he's overseen periods of significant progress, the Dockers have consistently fallen short of expectations. This latest setback will undoubtedly add pressure on the coach to deliver results in the remaining rounds.
Is Longmuir under pressure? The question is being asked across the AFL landscape. While the club has publicly backed their coach, King’s comments amplify the growing concerns about Fremantle’s performance and tactical approach. The Dockers face a crucial clash against [mention upcoming opponent] next week, and Longmuir will be desperate to prove that he has the answers to steer his team back on track.
The loss to Sydney wasn't just about the result; it was about the manner of it. Fremantle looked flat, lacked spark, and struggled to adapt to Sydney’s pressure. King’s assessment underscores the need for Fremantle to rediscover their intensity and tactical flexibility if they want to contend for a premiership this year.
Ultimately, the Dockers' season hinges on Longmuir’s ability to respond to this criticism and implement changes that can unlock their potential. The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Fremantle can salvage their finals aspirations or face another disappointing end to the season.
