Fremantle, Australia – February 22, 2025** – In a bold statement following Fremantle’s intriguing performance in the 2025 AFL All Stars match, Dockers’ head coach **Justin Longmuir** has declared that his side deliberately kept a number of strategies and tactics under wraps, all while leaving fans and pundits alike guessing about what’s to come in the regular season.

Following the highly anticipated All Stars game, which saw some of the league’s best players pitted against each other in a high-profile preseason clash, Fremantle’s performance stood out. Longmuir, who is known for his strategic approach to coaching, made it clear that the Dockers were not showing their full hand during the exhibition match. The decision to play “cards close to their chest” was, according to the coach, part of a broader strategy to keep Fremantle’s intentions under wraps as they build toward their regular-season campaign.

### **A Calculated Approach**

In his post-match interview, **Longmuir** explained, “The All Stars game is a great opportunity to test some things out, but we’ve always been clear that we’re not going to show everything we’ve got in a preseason exhibition. We’ve got a plan for this season, and some of our more complex tactics and lineups will stay in the back pocket for now. We’re playing a long game.”

Longmuir’s comments have raised eyebrows across the AFL, as many expected Fremantle to go all out in their first competitive hit-out against some of the league’s top players. Instead, the Dockers opted for a more measured and tactical approach, perhaps indicating a deeper strategy that will unfold as the season progresses. While Fremantle’s performance was far from disastrous, it was evident that the team was holding back in certain areas.

### **What Does This Mean for Fremantle’s 2025 Season?**

For Fremantle fans, Longmuir’s revelation has sparked a sense of intrigue and optimism. With the 2025 season fast approaching, many are now wondering if the Dockers are planning to spring some surprises when the real action begins. Longmuir has previously proven to be an astute tactician, and his decision to keep certain elements of Fremantle’s gameplan under wraps suggests the Dockers could have a few tricks up their sleeves.

“Preseason games are about experimentation, but they’re also about keeping your best moves hidden,” said **Andrew Brayshaw**, Fremantle’s star midfielder, who played in the All Stars match. “We know what we can do, and the coaching staff knows we’re capable of much more than we showed. The season will be different, and we’re ready to take on whatever comes our way.”

The Dockers’ focus on preparation, rather than revealing all their cards early, could indicate a shift in philosophy this year. Longmuir, who has always favored a balanced game with a focus on defense and structure, seems intent on catching opposition teams off guard as Fremantle builds toward becoming a top contender.

### **An Eye on the Regular Season**

Looking ahead, the Dockers are set to face some tough opponents in the early rounds of the AFL season, including fierce rival **West Coast Eagles** and perennial powerhouse **Melbourne Demons**. These clashes will be critical in determining Fremantle’s standing in the highly competitive AFL ladder.

“We’re not worried about what others are expecting of us. Our focus is on playing our brand of footy, and that’s something we’re confident in,” Longmuir continued. “We’ve got the talent to compete, and we’re going to surprise some teams with what we bring to the table.”

Fans will also be keeping a close eye on key players such as **Sean Darcy** (ruck), **Jye Amiss** (forward), and **Caleb Serong** (midfield), who could all take on pivotal roles in the upcoming season. If Longmuir’s strategy is anything to go by, we may not see their full potential until later in the season, when the pressure is on and the games matter most.

### **All Stars Game Performance: What We Learned**

While Fremantle’s All Stars match didn’t provide a definitive look at their plans for 2025, there were several notable takeaways from the game:

– **Solid Defensive Structure:** The Dockers maintained their trademark defensive solidity throughout the game. Players like **Alex Pearce** and **Luke Ryan** stood out in their defensive roles, showing that Fremantle’s backline remains one of the most reliable in the competition.

– **Midfield Strength:** Fremantle’s midfielders were competitive, with **Andrew Brayshaw** and **Caleb Serong** playing crucial roles. The pair demonstrated their ability to win the ball at the stoppages, but it was clear that the Dockers were still fine-tuning their offensive transitions.

– **Forward Line Struggles:** Fremantle’s forward line continues to be a work in progress. Although **Matt Taberner** and **Jye Amiss** showed promise in stretches, the Dockers were unable to consistently convert inside 50s into scores. However, it’s likely that this area will see significant development as the regular season unfolds, with Longmuir working on sharper tactics for moving the ball forward.

Despite these minor challenges, Fremantle looked poised to make an impact in the upcoming season, with Longmuir’s deliberate approach to keeping his cards close adding a layer of mystery to the club’s season outlook.

### **The Dockers’ Strategy Moving Forward**

As Fremantle prepares for the second half of the year, it’s clear that their gameplan will be one that evolves throughout the season. Longmuir’s comments suggest a willingness to adapt, a crucial trait for any successful team. The team’s tactical flexibility will allow them to adjust to different styles of play, making Fremantle an unpredictable opponent.

Fremantle’s commitment to playing a long game in 2025 reflects their growing maturity as a team. Rather than rushing to make an early impact, the Dockers are aiming to peak at the right time – when finals come around. It’s a calculated risk, but one that could pay off handsomely if Fremantle can execute on their potential.

### **What’s Next for Fremantle?**

Fremantle’s next major challenge will come when the regular season kicks off, and their first match will be under intense scrutiny as fans, pundits, and rival clubs try to decipher what the Dockers have been hiding in the preseason.

Longmuir and his team will be hoping to kick off with a strong performance and set the tone for a season where Fremantle aims to go deep into September football.

“We’ve got a lot to show, and we know it’s going to be a tough year,” said Longmuir, with a smile that suggested confidence. “But if you think you’ve seen everything we’ve got, think again.”

With this cryptic yet confident message, the Fremantle Dockers are set for what promises to be an exciting season. How they unveil their full potential in the coming months will undoubtedly be one of the most captivating storylines in the AFL.

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Stay tuned for more updates on Fremantle’s 2025 season and coach Justin Longmuir’s strategic maneuvers as they aim for another shot at AFL glory.