Currently sitting tenth on the ladder and making a late run towards finals, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is already looking forward to 2022.
Longmuir, who took the reigns at Fremantle in 2019, spoke to Sportsday about the club's off-season recruitment ambitions and priorities, detailing the need to fill the gaps left by the departures of Brad Hill and Ed Langdon in previous seasons.
Despite success with recent recruits from the draft - picking up Hayden Young, Caleb Serong and Liam Henry in 2019 - the club won't exclusively be relying on young players to inject some speed into the side.
“I think some outside run,” Longmuir said.
“It’s been an issue of ours since we lost Langdon and Hill just to fill those wing roles.
“Whether it’s through the draft or trade, we’ll be looking to bolster a number of areas, but outside the centre square players are probably the priority.”
The Dockers coach remains confident that forward Rory Lobb will remain at the club beyond 2021, despite the 28-year-old reportedly showing interest in other options.
When asked about Adelaide's Tom Lynch, who will be leaving West Lakes at the end of the season, Longmuir denied any interest in the key forward.
“He (Lynch) probably doesn’t fit the age profile to be honest,” Longmuir said.
“We’re looking to add more to Caleb Serong, (Andy) Brayshaw, (Adam) Cerra, that type of age profile.”
Young gun Adam Cerra, who debuted in 2018, is still yet to commit to the club beyond 2021, with Carlton emerging as the most likely club to secure the 21-year-old's services should he choose to leave Western Australia.
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Fremantle have reportedly tabled a four-year offer to the midfielder, but are yet to receive a signature with one week left in the home and away season.
