The Fremantle Dockers have made their intentions for the 2025 AFL season abundantly clear with sweeping changes to Justin Longmuir’s coaching panel. The announcement of former South Fremantle premiership coach Todd Curley as opposition strategy coach and ex-Sydney and Richmond ruckman Sam Naismith as ruck and development coach has set tongues wagging across the AFL community. While some see these moves as a calculated step towards solidifying their premiership aspirations, others question whether these appointments reflect a club scrambling for answers after a disappointing 2024 campaign.
A New Vision or More of the Same?
The appointment of Todd Curley is particularly striking. Known for his tactical acumen and a proven track record with South Fremantle, Curley brings a wealth of WAFL experience but remains untested at the highest level of AFL strategy. His role as Opposition Strategy Coach will be critical in preparing Fremantle to counter the ever-evolving tactics of rival clubs.
For Justin Longmuir, the addition of Curley could be seen as a response to criticism that the Dockers have lacked adaptability against top-tier teams. Longmuir himself is no stranger to scrutiny, with many questioning whether his tenure is running out of time after Fremantle’s inconsistent performances in recent seasons. The pressure is mounting for the head coach to prove that his system can deliver not just final appearances but a serious shot at the premiership.
Sam Naismith’s appointment as Ruck and Development Coach is another intriguing move. As a former AFL player with experience at Sydney and Richmond, Naismith brings firsthand knowledge of elite-level ruck play. However, his coaching credentials are relatively untested. With Fremantle’s ruck stocks already under the microscope, the club’s faith in Naismith signals a commitment to both nurturing young talent and extracting more from their established big men.
The 2024 Fallout: Lessons and Lingering Questions
Fremantle’s 2024 campaign left fans and pundits alike with mixed feelings. A team with undeniable potential, the Dockers oscillated between moments of brilliance and frustrating lapses. While the likes of Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw continued to shine, the Dockers’ inability to convert midfield dominance into scoreboard pressure remained a glaring issue.
Critics have pointed to a lack of strategic innovation as a key factor in Fremantle’s struggles. Too often, the Dockers appeared one-dimensional, relying heavily on contested possession and defensive structures without sufficient offensive creativity. This tactical rigidity has fuelled speculation that Longmuir’s coaching philosophy is not resonating with the group.
Against this backdrop, the appointments of Curley and Naismith represent an attempt to address these shortcomings. Curley’s reputation for outsmarting opponents in the WAFL could bring a fresh perspective to Fremantle’s approach, while Naismith’s role in developing emerging talent may be pivotal in unlocking the team’s full potential.
Are These the Right Moves?
While the Dockers’ decision to shake up the coaching panel has been met with cautious optimism by some, others are less convinced.
The Case for Curley
Supporters of Todd Curley’s appointment highlight his success with South Fremantle, where he guided the team to a WAFL premiership in 2020 and consistently kept them in contention. His deep understanding of WA football could be a valuable asset, particularly when it comes to analysing opposition teams and exploiting local talent pathways.
However, sceptics question whether success in the WAFL necessarily translates to the AFL level. The jump from coaching semi-professional players to crafting strategies against the likes of Chris Fagan and Craig McRae is a monumental leap. Will Curley’s tactical nous hold up under the intense scrutiny and pace of AFL coaching?
The Naismith Experiment
Sam Naismith’s arrival as Ruck and Development Coach is equally polarizing. With Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson forming Fremantle’s primary ruck duo, the Dockers already boast one of the most promising ruck setups in the league. Naismith’s challenge will be to ensure these players continue to develop while also preparing the next generation of talls to step into key roles when needed.
Yet Naismith’s coaching inexperience raises valid concerns. While he has the playing pedigree, transitioning into a coaching role is no guarantee of success. Fremantle cannot afford missteps in this area, especially given the critical importance of ruck work in their game plan.
The Longmuir Conundrum
These coaching changes also reignite questions about Justin Longmuir’s future at the helm. While Longmuir’s tenure has been characterised by steady improvement, the Dockers’ inability to take the next step into genuine premiership contention remains a sticking point.
For some, the addition of Curley and Naismith suggests that Longmuir is willing to adapt and surround himself with complementary voices. For others, it signals desperation—an acknowledgement that the current approach is not working and that external solutions are required to shore up his position.
Longmuir’s contract status and the Dockers’ performance in 2025 will undoubtedly be under the microscope. Another season of underachievement could force Fremantle to consider whether it’s time for a fresh start at the coaching level.
Fan Reaction: Divided Opinions
Fremantle supporters have been quick to weigh in on the coaching shake-up. Social media and fan forums are buzzing with a mix of excitement and scepticism.
One fan wrote, “Curley is a WAFL legend, but can he cut it in the AFL? We need more than just good intentions—we need results.” Another countered, “This is exactly what we needed. Longmuir needed help, and these appointments show the club is serious about addressing our weaknesses.”
For many fans, the 2025 season represents a tipping point. Patience is running thin, and while there is appreciation for the steady progress made under Longmuir, the Dockers are now expected to deliver tangible success.
Looking Ahead: High Stakes in 2025
The stakes for Fremantle heading into the 2025 season could not be higher. With a talented core of players entering their prime, the Dockers have the potential to be a force in the AFL. However, the clock is ticking. Fans and club officials alike know that wasted opportunities at this stage could set the team back for years.
The additions of Curley and Naismith signal a club willing to take bold steps to improve. Yet, whether these moves will pay off remains an open question. Success in the AFL is notoriously difficult to achieve, and Fremantle’s fortunes in 2025 will depend on a delicate interplay of player performance, tactical innovation, and off-field cohesion.
Gamble or Masterstroke?
Fremantle’s revamped coaching panel has sparked a wave of speculation, optimism, and doubt. The appointments of Todd Curley and Sam Naismith are undoubtedly bold, but whether they represent the start of a new era or a gamble that backfires will only become clear as the season unfolds.
For Justin Longmuir, these changes could be a lifeline—or a noose. As the Dockers gear up for a crucial 2025 campaign, the pressure to deliver results has never been greater. Fremantle’s fans, hungry for sustained success, will be watching every move with bated breath. One thing is certain: the Dockers’ coaching overhaul ensures that all eyes will be on Fremantle when the new season begins.