Sport: Australian Football Category: Coaching

Fremantle enters 2026 AFL finals campaign as minor premiers

AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 11:30 PM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Fremantle enters 2026 AFL finals campaign as minor premiers

Summary

Fremantle enters the 2026 AFL finals series following a club-record 19-win regular season. Coach Justin Longmuir implemented a team-building initiative during the off-season, tasking players with strengthening individual links in a symbolic chain. The program, supported by head of leadership and opposition strategy Andrew Sturgess, focused on collective connection and discipline following a 2025 elimination final loss to Gold Coast. The minor premiers recorded a 14-game winning streak during the season, marking a significant improvement in scoring efficiency. Longmuir and his squad are now preparing for a qualifying final against Hawthorn. This campaign represents the strongest position in club history for a maiden premiership pursuit.

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Key Details

•Fremantle earned the minor premiership with a club-record 19 wins.
•The team completed a 14-game winning streak during the 2026 campaign.
•Justin Longmuir used a symbolic chain link exercise to foster player connection.
•Andrew Sturgess manages the club's leadership development and opposition strategy.
•Fremantle faces Hawthorn in an upcoming qualifying final.

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