Fremantle's recovery from inexplicable collapse begins by sitting in grief
Even before Fremantle's heartbroken players left the field of play at the MCG, the recovery from one of the most devastating losses in league history had already begun.
Fremantle's players had just stepped off the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground when the club began its heartbreaking journey to recovery. The players and staff found solace in the MCG, a sanctuary away from the public eye. As family members, club employees, and reporters came in and out of the rooms, hope began to emerge amidst the devastation.
Loved ones consoled the crestfallen players, while they tried to share any positive vibes they could muster. The players exited the room, some in tears, others clutching their jerseys in disbelief, trying to avoid eye contact. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir, who has overseen the team's rise to contender status over the past seven seasons, expressed the team's devastation.
Brisbane's three-peat win made winning look effortless, but Longmuir emphasized that it is anything but, as they, too, had experienced significant heartbreak in the past. Longmuir urged his players to sit in their grief, supporting each other and not being too hard on themselves. He envisioned a return of Wharfie Time, downplaying its impact on the loss but acknowledging the motivation it provided.
Fremantle's players, including Norm Smith Medal winner Shai Bolton and teammate Judd McVee, admitted they felt they had won until the final moments of the game. The Dockers, despite their loss, will need to rely on their youth, talent, and continuity to bounce back stronger.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
