Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir’s controversial contract extension has been revealed to have “multiple” triggers and mechanisms to keep him in charge beyond the end of 2025.
The 43-year-old was in the final year of his existing deal and under heavy pressure after the Dockers, fresh off an AFL finals win in 2022, collapsed to finish 14th last season.
But the club surprised the footy world on Thursday with the announcement that he had penned an extension — albeit for only one year.
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That raised eyebrows, but Freo chief Simon Garlick insisted the club had an “amazing amount” of faith in Longmuir and were keen for him to stay “well beyond” 2025.
7NEWS Perth’s Ryan Daniels has now reported Longmuir is all but guaranteed to do so if he can hit pre-determined marks over the next two years.
“Longmuir signed on till the end of 2025 with Freo — but there are multiple triggers/mechanisms within the contract to extend well beyond that time,” Daniels said.
The one-year deal came under fire from two-time premiership player David King and goalkicking legend Jason Dunstall.
It was branded “farcical” by King, who claimed everyone would see through Fremantle’s attempt to ease the pressure on their coach.
“It’s a PR stunt gone wrong. Fancy giving a guy one year,” he told Fox Sports.
“You’re not absolutely saying ‘he’s our man, we’ve got him for another three years, get used to it guys and lay down your guns’.
“I just think they’ve made what they think is a great sell into a PR disaster.”
Dunstall argued the short extension was “not showing long-term commitment” and simply “handcuffed” Fremantle in the event they begin to contemplate Longmuir’s future this year.
Longmuir expressed his appreciation for the new deal, and felt it would reduce unnecessary distractions heading into the season.
“It allows us to focus on what we need to focus on,” Longmuir said.
“It probably stops a little bit of the noise externally. It doesn’t relieve any pressure.
As a senior coach, you go into every game with a level of expectation and pressure. It doesn’t change that, but it gives some security.”
He was loudly cheered by his players when the news was announced on Thursday.
“It was very embarrassing,” Longmuir said.
“I don’t like the attention on myself. It was a pretty awkward couple of minutes.
“But I’ve always felt the support from the players, from the hierarchy at the football club. It was nice to hear.”
Fremantle open their 2024 season with a home clash against last year’s grand finalists Brisbane on Sunday.
– with AAP