In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the AFL world, Fremantle Dockers head coach Justin Longmuir has been suspended for six months, raising serious questions about his future at the club and whether his time at the helm has quietly come to an end.
The news broke late Thursday evening, with *The West Australian* reporting that the club had imposed the lengthy suspension following an internal investigation. While official details remain limited, sources close to the club suggest the decision was related to “off-field matters” and “a breakdown in alignment between coach and executive leadership.”
The six-month suspension is seen as highly unusual in the AFL, and many within the game are interpreting it as a soft dismissal — a move that buys the club time to plan a coaching transition without formally announcing Longmuir’s departure.
One unnamed source quoted by *The West* put it bluntly: “Does it make it easier to sack him? Absolutely. A six-month suspension gives the club cover to end the relationship quietly without triggering further public backlash or legal complications.”
Longmuir, who has coached Fremantle since 2020, was already under immense pressure this season, with the team underperforming and sitting outside the top eight. After what was billed as a “make-or-break” year for the club, the Dockers currently sit 14th on the ladder, with just four wins from 11 games.
Earlier this week, captain Alex Pearce and several senior players publicly backed their coach, insisting that the group remained “fully behind him.” But that support now appears to have been overtaken by off-field developments, and the mood within the club has reportedly shifted.
Speaking on *SEN WA* Friday morning, AFL commentator Kane Cornes said, “A six-month suspension during the season? That’s effectively a termination in disguise. I’d be stunned if Justin coaches Fremantle again.”
While Fremantle has not confirmed whether Longmuir will be allowed to return after the suspension period, insiders say it is “extremely unlikely” that he will resume duties, regardless of the official language being used. Assistant coach Josh Carr is expected to step in as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Club CEO Simon Garlick released a brief statement, acknowledging the suspension but stopping short of elaborating on the reasons.
“We are addressing a number of internal matters and have taken steps we believe are in the best long-term interests of the football club,” Garlick said. “We thank Justin for his service to date and will provide further updates when appropriate.”
Fans have reacted with a mix of disappointment and confusion. While some believe the club had no choice but to act, others feel Longmuir has been treated harshly, especially after helping steer the Dockers into finals contention in recent years.
For now, one thing is clear: Fremantle is entering a new era — whether they’re ready for it or not.
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