Former Fremantle forward Chris Mayne joins coaching panel ahead of season 2026
Chris Mayne is back in purple after joining Fremantle’s coaching panel for season 2026.
The 36-year-old joins Justin Longmuir’s coaching group as Forwards Development Coach.
Mayne played 248 AFL games with Fremantle and Collingwood before retiring in 2021.
He has just celebrated a WAFL premiership with South Fremantle after spending the past two seasons on the Bulldogs’ coaching panel.
Mayne has also held a development role at Perth Football Club and served as Director of Football at Trinity College in the PSA.
Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty says Fremantle is pleased to welcome Mayne back to the Club where he made his AFL debut in 2008, playing 172 games and kicking 108 goals.
“It’s great to have Chris back where it all started, he played a variety of roles across his career at Fremantle and Collingwood and these learnings have set him up well for his coaching career,” Brierty said.
“His time at Trinity College, as well setting up the Mayne Academy Program, allowed Chris to focused on developing talent. This enabled a transition into an assistant coaching role with South Fremantle in the WAFL.
“Chris’ journey will allow him to build strong relationships in his role as Forwards Development Coach, where he will work closely with senior assistant Jaymie Graham.
“We look forward to welcoming Chris, his wife Brittany and kids back to the Club.”
Mayne says he’s excited to be back in the AFL system.
“I’m super excited to have the opportunity to be part of where it all began for me as a player,” Mayne said.
“It’s been a bit of a journey over the past four years since my retirement from playing, during which I’ve been able to build on my coaching craft – starting at Trinity College, then stepping in at South Freo – gaining experience in both the fundamentals and program building, and most recently being part of a successful campaign with South Freo this year.
“Hopefully, I can bring my experience – not only as a player – but also as a coach, to help further develop Freo’s program.
“I’m keen to get stuck in and start working with JL (Justin Longmuir), Jaymie Graham and the rest of the coaching team.”
Rounding out changes to the Fremantle coaching structure for 2026, former Development Coach Andrew Sturgess will transition into the role of Opposition Strategy and Leadership Coach, while former Opposition Strategy Coach Todd Curley will now become Midfield Development Coach.
Damian Martin will continue to work with the player leadership group and emerging leaders in a consultancy role.
Ruck/Development Coach Sam Naismith will now have the primary focus of Ruck Coach in a part-time capacity.
Fremantle’s 2026 Coaching Group
Justin Longmuir– Senior Coach
Jaymie Graham – Assistant Coach Forwards
Joel Corey – Assistant Coach Midfield
Jade Rawlings - Assistant Coach Backs
Harry Garland – Assistant Coach Stoppages
Andrew Sturgess – Opposition Strategy and Leadership Coach
Geoff Valentine – Head of Development
Adam Read – Peel Senior Coach
Chris Mayne – Forwards Development Coach
Todd Curley – Midfield Development Coach
Tendai Mzungu – Backs Development Coach
Sam Naismith – Ruck Coach
Damian Martin – Leadership Advisor