Fremantle Dockers focus on the now as AFL finals approach

Coach Justin Longmuir emphasizes moment-to-moment play as Dockers chase their first premiership.

Told by Jake Donovan · 1 September 2026

Fremantle Dockers are on the verge of something monumental, just three wins away from their first-ever AFL premiership. Yet, coach Justin Longmuir is steering clear of using that as motivation for his squad heading into the finals. Longmuir's 2026 Dockers have been a revelation, racking up 19 wins in the home-and-away season, a record for the club. This sets them up for a highly anticipated qualifying final against Hawthorn at Perth Stadium.

While excitement is palpable among the Freo faithful, who last saw their team in a grand final back in 2013, Longmuir insists the focus must remain on the present. "I just don’t feel like we need to [lean into it]. If there’s someone at the footy club that doesn’t see that carrot, well then you’re probably in the wrong game, right?" he stated, affirming his players already understand the stakes.

Longmuir believes that success hinges not on the ultimate goal but on how well they can capitalize on each moment in the game. "The way to win premierships is to win games of footy, and you win games of footy by winning more moments than the opposition," he said.

As they prepare for the finals, they’ll need to start strong against the Hawks, avoiding the reliance on their home crowd to boost performance. Key defender Brennan Cox will miss the match due to injury, but the return of players like Murphy Reid could provide a much-needed boost. The stakes are high, but for the Dockers, it’s all about what comes next.