Fremantle adjusts defensive plans for upcoming Hawthorn qualifying final

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir confirmed plans to use a versatile defensive structure to contain Hawthorn forwards Nick Watson and Jack Gunston in Thursday night’s qualifying final. The Dockers are set to welcome back Murphy Reid, Jye Amiss, Sam Switkowski, and defender Heath Chapman to the side. Longmuir emphasized the need for a collective defensive effort from the entire back six to limit service into the forward line. Although Brennan Cox contained Gunston in a previous meeting earlier this season, his current calf injury necessitates alternative matchups, with Alex Pearce or Oscar McDonald expected to take the role. Fremantle enters the finals following a club-record 19-win season. The team continues to operate under a short-term focus, aiming to secure victory by winning individual moments throughout the match.

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