“He’s got to change his ways”: Eade turns heat on Longmuir

Former AFL coach Rodney Eade has put the heat on the defensive tactics of Justin Longmuir as Fremantle prepares for an assault on the flag.

Speaking at the Zero Hanger Season Launch, Eade said the Dockers coach must release the shackles if the club is to finally succeed. 

"The only chance of Freo not being any good is their coach putting the brakes on them like he does all the time," Eade said.

"If they don't want to score, they are no chance."

Eade said Longmuir's defensive mindset cost the Dockers a final against a rampaging, attacking Gold Coast outfit last September.

"They lost their final against the Gold Coast because they wanted to play defensive, boring footy and they got beaten," Eade said.

"They've got all the weapons and the game now is you've got to score. Everyone defends well, you've got to score or attempt to score ... if you don't and want to play boring footy you will not win.

"He (Longmuir) is the most defensive coach in the competition. He's got to change his ways."

Eade coached 379 games at Sydney, the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast and is a four-time premiership player.

He said the new strengthened stand rule would suit attacking teams, allowing players with the ball more freedom.

Eade said he generally supported rule changes, but was keeping a close watch on the revised ruck rule.

He said PCL injuries to players of the ilk of Max Gawn and Tristan Xerri would quickly turn the blowtorch on the change to encourage jumping from ruckmen.