Fremantle urged to confront grand-final grief after late Brisbane loss

Fremantle’s recovery from its grand-final defeat began in the private rooms beneath the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where players were consoled by family members and club staff after Brisbane’s late comeback. The Dockers led into the final stages but lost 96-89 after Brisbane produced a decisive burst in the last four minutes. Fremantle players said they had believed the match was won when the team’s “Wharfie Time” bells sounded after Patrick Voss’s goal.

Players emerged from the rooms in tears or disbelief as relatives tried to comfort them. One man embraced each player and told them to keep their heads up, according to the report. Coach Justin Longmuir said there was no way to soften the disappointment for a group he described as devastated.

He gathered the team after the final siren and told players to have each other’s backs. Longmuir said the squad should not yet focus on moving on or next season. The immediate task, he said, was to support one another and avoid being too hard on themselves while they processed the loss.

Norm Smith Medal winner Shai Bolton described the decisive passage as a blur. He said Fremantle had failed to take its opportunities while Brisbane had used its moments and finished strongly. Judd McVee said the players were like brothers and would remain together.

The report also notes that Fremantle has continuity, a relatively young list and a lower level of experience than many rivals, factors presented as reasons for hope after the defeat.