Senior coach Justin Longmuir has praised his leaders for taking charge at two breaks during a sometimes heated RAC Derby 61.
By fremantlefc.com.au
5 hrs
ago
Senior coach Justin Longmuir has praised his leaders for taking charge at two breaks during a sometimes heated RAC Derby 61.
Key forward Josh Treacy took the initiative on Optus Stadium when the half-time siren sounded, while leaders also called teammates together before coaches arrived at ground level during the final change.
Treacy addressed the group after the side kicked a wasteful 1.6 during the second quarter, and more leaders stepped up, with Freo failing to take opportunities with 3.6 in the third term.
“They were probably disappointed with that third quarter,” said Justin Longmuir.
“See something, say something. Don’t wait for the coach.
“I’m loving those moments that they’re identifying and correcting before I have to.”
Midfielders and co-vice captains Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong have been sharing captaincy duties in the absence of skipper Alex Pearce, while Treacy, Jaeger O’Meara, Sam Switkowski and Hayden Young are all members of the leadership group.
Pearce has played only one game in the past eight rounds due to a hot spot in his shin.
“We’ve got a good complement of our leaders back in the team now. It’s only ‘Pearcey’ (Alex Pearce) that’s not in the team,” said Longmuir.
“There’s been times this year when we’ve had four of the six (leaders) out and we’ve had to rely on some others, and some others have been forced to step up.
“We’ve seen ‘Clarky’ (Jordan Clark). Luke Ryan and ‘Coxy’ (Brennan Cox) really step up with their leadership, so we’re starting to build a real depth with our leadership now which is what we’ve always been searching for.
“That stuff doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and we’re starting to see it which is great.”
Longmuir was also full of praise for Young’s football skills, with the silky midfielder claiming his first Glendinning Allan medal after being voted best-afield.
With back-to-back hamstring strains leading to surgery at the start of May, Young was playing only his sixth game of the season.
Before being subbed off due to managed minutes early in the final term, the 24-year-old had kicked three goals from 23 disposals.
“Thought he was clean, thought he found space, thought he finished well. He was sharp,” said Longmuir.
“We’ve missed his ball use at times this year so he’s a handy addition.
“He gives us another big body that helps Andy and Caleb. We’ve missed that as well.
“I thought our stoppage work went to a level that we haven’t seen for a while today. I’m sure Youngy had an impact on that but it’s not just those three.