Fremantle Football Club has announced a significant change regarding the contract of head coach Justin Longmuir, transitioning him from a fixed-term arrangement to a long-term employment agreement extending into 2026 and beyond. This shift, reported initially by 9News journalist Tom Morris, means Longmuir will no longer be bound by a fixed contract but will instead serve as a regular employee of the club.
The decision presents a noteworthy precedent as both David Noble, formerly of North Melbourne, and Brendon Bolton from Carlton faced dismissals shortly after similar contract changes. This context underscores Fremantle’s commitment to a new approach.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick articulated the rationale behind this transition. He emphasised the club’s strong investment in its future and the high expectations set for success. Garlick noted that the ambitions and standards of the club are driven by performance and results rather than the tenure of a coach’s contract.
“Justin has been instrumental in developing and leading a top-tier coaching program, and we believe this new agreement aligns with our plans for him to guide us into a phase of sustained competitiveness and achievement,” Garlick stated. He also acknowledged the ongoing pressure for the club to perform, reinforcing that accountability will be maintained through regular assessments of performance.
Justin Longmuir has been at the helm since the 2020 season, leading the team to finals contention once during his tenure. Looking ahead, the 44-year-old coach expressed enthusiasm for continuing to build on the team’s talents as Fremantle aspires to claim its first AFL premiership title.
“It’s a privilege to lead this talented group,” Longmuir remarked. He acknowledged the heightened expectations for the team’s future performance, asserting that the nature of his new contract would not alter the pressure to succeed. Longmuir believes this contract modification provides better protection and stability for himself and his family, allowing him to focus on his coaching responsibilities.
“I remain as driven as ever to see this group succeed, and as a collective, we are ready to uphold the standards necessary to achieve the level of contention and success that the Freo family deserves,” he added.
In summary, the changes to Longmuir’s contract reflect Fremantle’s long-term vision for success, empowering the coach while maintaining high expectations for the team’s performance.