In an unprecedented move, Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir will transition from a fixed-term contract to an “ongoing employment agreement” by the end of this season. This shift signifies a long-term commitment from the club, ensuring Longmuir’s continued leadership through 2026 and beyond.

Longmuir’s current contract is set to expire at the end of October. He has faced significant pressure this season, following the Dockers’ disappointing end to 2024, where they fell from the top four and missed the finals. The club’s decision to move to an ongoing employment agreement reflects a strategic shift in their approach to contract management for senior leadership roles.

Under the new arrangement, Longmuir will be treated as an ongoing employee rather than being bound by a contract with a specific duration. The specifics of this arrangement are yet to be fully disclosed, but both Longmuir and Dockers Chief Executive Simon Garlick are scheduled to address the media later today to provide more details.

Longmuir took over the coaching role heading into the 2020 season. In his five years at the helm, he has led the team to the finals just once, in 2022, where they narrowly lost to Collingwood in a semi-final. The Dockers’ performance has since fluctuated, reaching 14th place in 2023 and narrowly missing the finals last year.

In a statement, Garlick explained the rationale behind the shift to an ongoing agreement. “We are strongly invested in what we are building here at Fremantle and have high expectations on what we can achieve in the coming years,” Garlick said. “Following a number of discussions with Justin, it was clear that those expectations we set ourselves is what drives our ambitions and standards, not the length of a contract.”

Garlick further elaborated on the club’s vision and expectations. “Justin has been building and leading an elite coaching program, and we believe this agreement complements our plans for him to lead us through a period of sustained contention and success. The pressure for the club to perform is always there, and leadership accountability will continue to come from regular performance evaluations and reviews that are central to our success.”

Longmuir, speaking through a club statement, welcomed the new terms. “The external expectation for us to perform and deliver success over the coming years is high, as it should be, and the nature of my contract doesn’t change that,” Longmuir said. “I believe the variation better reflects the mechanisms that should be in place for coaches to ensure we have an adequate layer of protection and security for ourselves and our families, and we get on with the job.”

Longmuir emphasized his commitment to the team’s success. “I’m as driven as ever to see this group succeed, and as a club we are all ready to embrace the standards that can deliver the period of contention and success that the Freo family deserves.”

Driven as Ever

This move by the Fremantle Dockers echoes similar strategies seen in U.S. sports, where long-term commitments to coaches have become more common. For instance, the New England Patriots’ long-term agreement with Bill Belichick has been a cornerstone of their sustained success. Similarly, the Los Angeles Lakers’ commitment to Frank Vogel during their championship run in 2020 highlighted the value of stability and long-term planning in professional sports.

However, the shift to an ongoing employment agreement is not without its critics. Some argue that such agreements can reduce accountability and make it harder to part ways with underperforming coaches. In the NFL, for example, the long-term contracts of coaches like Adam Gase and Hue Jackson have been cited as examples of how such agreements can backfire if performance does not meet expectations.

Despite these potential drawbacks, the Fremantle Dockers’ decision reflects a growing trend in Australian sports to prioritize long-term stability and investment in coaching staff. This approach aims to foster a sense of security and continuity, which can be crucial for building a successful team culture. As Longmuir and Garlick continue to navigate the challenges ahead, their commitment to sustained success will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

Looking Ahead

As the Fremantle Dockers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on translating the new contract structure into on-field success. The club’s leadership will need to ensure that the ongoing employment agreement translates into tangible improvements in performance and team cohesion. Regular performance evaluations and reviews will be crucial in maintaining accountability and driving the team towards their goals.

For Longmuir, the new agreement represents both an opportunity and a challenge. He will need to balance the expectations of the club and fans with the practical realities of coaching a competitive team. The success of this strategy will depend on his ability to lead the team to sustained contention and success, as envisioned by the club’s leadership.