Family-first culture
When Adam Simpson established the renowned “brotherhood” at West Coast, Longmuir was there to witness his charges make it to the grand final in 2015 and capture the flag three years later.
The first press conference held by Justin Longmuir as Fremantle’s head coach should ease the pain of long-suffering Dockers supporters.
Although Longmuir remained silent on contentious issues like hiring and coaching appointments, his speech’s general points made a lot of sense.
Establish a culture that values family. Create unity in the assault and defense. Acquire titles of excellence.
In short, the 38-year-old wheeled out a blueprint reflecting the success of West Coast and Collingwood, where he spent a decade honing his coaching
Family-first culture
Longmuir was at West Coast when Adam Simpson built the famed “brotherhood” that saw his charges qualify for the grand final in 2015 and win the flag three years later.
During his time at Collingwood, the former Docker was one of Nathan Buckley’s most trusted advisers, watching the Magpies rise from 13th in 2017 to grand finalists in 2018.
Both clubs boast tight-knit playing groups and rarely see their best footballers leave. The same can be said of premiers Richmond, minor premiers Geelong and the rejuvenated Brisbane Lions. While many high-profile players, past and present, will shout their loyalty to Ross Lyon from the rooftops, there were numerous reports detailing unrest at Fremantle headquarters in Cockburn.
Longmuir cannot raise morale by himself but knows a fair bit about what goes into the process.
A reputation for being genuine, empathetic, compassionate and honest should hold him in good stead.
Leave a Reply