**Fremantle Coach Justin Longmuir Reveals Deliberate Play to Withhold Tactics Against Indigenous All-Stars**

**Fremantle, Australia – February 22, 2025** – Fremantle Dockers’ head coach **Justin Longmuir** has caused a stir following the 2025 AFL Indigenous All-Stars match, revealing that the Dockers intentionally withheld certain strategies and game plans during the high-profile preseason clash. This revelation has sent waves through the AFL community, leaving fans and analysts alike intrigued about Fremantle’s true intentions for the upcoming season.

In his post-match interview, Longmuir explained that the decision to withhold tactics was part of a calculated strategy, aimed at ensuring Fremantle didn’t expose their full gameplan before the regular season began. The coach confirmed that while the All-Stars match was valuable for assessing player form and testing certain elements of their play, the Dockers were not showing everything they had in their arsenal.

“We’ve always been clear with our approach,” Longmuir said. “The All-Stars game is a great opportunity to experiment, but we’re not going to lay all our cards on the table before the season kicks off. We’ve got a season plan, and some of the more intricate tactics will stay in the background for now. We don’t want to give too much away.”

### **Tactics and Strategy: Playing the Long Game**

Longmuir’s decision to keep specific tactics under wraps has sparked widespread debate. While the Indigenous All-Stars match is a prestigious event, it’s widely viewed as a preseason game, with many teams opting to experiment with different lineups and strategies. However, Fremantle’s decision to withhold key tactics has raised the stakes, and it’s clear that the Dockers are positioning themselves for a long-term approach to the 2025 AFL season.

**Andrew Brayshaw**, Fremantle’s star midfielder, echoed Longmuir’s sentiments in his post-match interview, suggesting that the All-Stars game was not the time to reveal Fremantle’s full potential. “We’ve got a game plan, and we know what we’re capable of,” Brayshaw said. “This was more about fine-tuning things and seeing where we’re at. We’ve got bigger things in mind for the regular season, and we’ll be ready.”

Fremantle’s decision to keep their cards close to their chest raises a number of questions. Does this mean the Dockers have been working on new systems or game styles that could surprise opponents? Are they saving their best tactics for the pressure cooker of the regular season, or perhaps even for a potential finals run?

Longmuir has always been known for his tactical acumen, often drawing praise for his ability to adapt and implement strategies tailored to his team’s strengths. This season, he seems intent on leveraging Fremantle’s versatile playing group to keep rival teams guessing, ensuring that his team is not easily predictable.

### **Impressions from the Indigenous All-Stars Match**

Despite the tactical holding back, Fremantle still put on an impressive showing in the All-Stars match. The Dockers’ defense held firm, with key backmen like **Alex Pearce** and **Luke Ryan** performing well under pressure. Fremantle’s midfield, spearheaded by Brayshaw and **Caleb Serong**, was competitive, but it was clear that the Dockers were still looking to improve their cohesion and offensive flow.

However, it was in Fremantle’s forward line that the biggest questions remain. With **Matt Taberner** and **Jye Amiss** both playing important roles, the Dockers were unable to consistently convert forward entries into goals, something that has been a long-standing issue. This challenge is something Longmuir will need to address moving forward, but the limited exposure of their full offensive setup suggests that Fremantle may have more attacking options and strategies to unveil as the season progresses.

### **What’s at Stake for Fremantle in 2025?**

With the regular season fast approaching, Fremantle’s calculated approach to preseason preparation could be the key to their success in 2025. While many clubs look to make a statement during high-profile matches like the All-Stars event, Fremantle is playing the long game, carefully preparing for the pressures and challenges that the upcoming season will bring.

In recent seasons, Fremantle has shown glimpses of their potential but has often struggled to sustain momentum over the course of a full season. By withholding certain tactics and playing a conservative hand in the preseason, Longmuir’s Dockers may be positioning themselves for a late-season surge, one that could propel them into the finals and beyond.

The Dockers will need to continue refining their gameplan, particularly in their forward line, where the addition of fresh talent like Amiss could unlock new avenues of attack. Their defense remains one of their strongest suits, but Fremantle will need to develop more fluidity in their ball movement and scoring ability to truly challenge for top honors.

Fremantle’s next major challenge will come when they face **West Coast Eagles** in the opening round of the AFL season. This game will be the first real test of the Dockers’ strategic approach, and fans will be eager to see how the team transitions from preseason experimentation to full-fledged competition.

### **Longmuir’s Leadership and the Dockers’ Future**

Justin Longmuir’s leadership and his strategic foresight will be key factors in Fremantle’s success this season. With a growing squad full of young talent and seasoned veterans, Longmuir’s ability to manage players and fine-tune strategies will play a significant role in determining how the Dockers fare in 2025.

The decisions made in the preseason – including the decision to keep their tactics under wraps – suggest that Longmuir is focused on building a sustainable and competitive team that will peak at the right time. Fremantle’s focus on structure, defensive integrity, and player development indicates that the Dockers are not only planning for the present but also for long-term success.

While it remains to be seen how the season unfolds, one thing is certain: Fremantle’s approach to the 2025 AFL campaign will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the year. As the regular season begins, expect the Dockers to gradually reveal the full extent of their capabilities and play an exciting brand of football that could take them deep into September.

### **Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Fremantle?**

Fremantle’s cautious yet calculated approach to the All-Stars match serves as a tantalizing preview of what’s to come in the 2025 season. Fans and rivals alike will be watching closely as the Dockers continue to evolve under Longmuir’s stewardship. Will Fremantle’s strategic play pay off? Only time will tell, but for now, the AFL community will have to wait to see what the Dockers have in store when the real competition begins.

Stay tuned for more updates on Fremantle’s 2025 campaign as they prepare for their season opener against West Coast, a match that could set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year.