Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says he has no issue with star Shai Bolton's scoreboard taunt, accepting that the recruit plays with "edge".
During Thursday's clash against Essendon, tensions boiled over in the second term as Bolton pointed toward the scoreline after a goal was scored.
The former Tiger was quick to tell his opponent, Jaxon Prior, shortly after, when Bolton kicked another major to put the Dockers up by 29 points.
Longmuir, who said in his post-match address that he didn't see the incident, has no qualms with Bolton's approach.
"I didn't see that (pointing to the scoreboard), but I like the edge he plays with," Longmuir said.
"I think largely Shai valued the right things tonight. I thought his pressure and contests were really strong from the get-go.
"He plays with a bit of flair and he likes to get in the opposition's face, so I didn't see the pointing at the scoreboard, but yeah, I don't mind the way he played."
Shai Bolton telling the bombers to look at the scoreboard ๐ #AFLFreoDons pic.twitter.com/75unm4PSHV
— BRZY (@outbreezyWC) June 19, 2025
Bolton finished the game with 15 disposals, two goals, six score involvements and three clearances.
Fremantle notched up five wins in a row for the first time since 2022, putting them in the frame for a top-four berth.
Longmuir's trademark defence has been on show in that period, restricting all teams to 67 points or less.
"We have high expectations among the group of what we can achieve, but I think what's shifted is our ability just to stay in the moment more," Longmuir said.
"We've got a strong belief in what our best footy looks like, and contest and physicality and taking time and space away from the opposition is a big part of that.
"I would say we expect to play a certain way, rather than expect to win.
"Physicality is a part of that, ball movement and team defence is a part of that โฆ it's a strong identity getting built.
"I said to the players after the game, we've won five in a row and we've won pretty comfortably tonight, but what excites me the most is we've still got a lot of growth left in our game, so I'm excited for that."
Luke Jackson and Caleb Serong were major contributors to the impressive victory, with the pair hitting the scoreboard heavily.
Jackson recorded a whopping 36 player rating points, according toย WheeloRatings, from his 21 disposals, 12 score involvements, 10 clearances, 48 hit-outs and three goals.
The Dockers will remain in Perth for another week, and will take on St Kilda next Sunday.
