Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has detailed a failed plan that would’ve broken the heart of every West Coast Eagles fan.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has revealed he offered West Coast star Josh Kennedy an off-field role at the Dockers from next season but that the premiership-winning forward could not be enticed into leaving the Eagles.
Kennedy, 34, has yet to sign on at the Eagles for next year so, spying an opportunity to add a West Australian champion to the Dockers’ staff, Longmuir made a move.
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“I put the feelers out about an off-field role earlier in the off-season,” Longmuir said on SEN.
However, the two-time Coleman Medallist told Longmuir he was keen to take the field again in 2022, putting Longmuir’s hopes of making a cross-town raid to bed, at least for now.
“He made it really clear that he wanted to play on again and (said) that he and West Coast have come to probably a one-year deal,” Longmuir said.
“Once he’s finished his playing career, I’ll ask him again and see if he wants to come over as we’ve seen how he can be with the younger players.”
Longmuir said it was Kennedy’s ability to mentor young talent that led him to make contact.
“He’s great at imparting his knowledge and experience to the younger players,” he said.
“I think he’s someone that could help us down the track, but I think we’ll have to wait another year or two.”
While Kennedy won’t be packing his bags for Fremantle in 2022, former Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy will be.
The 312-game Bulldog was unveiled as Fremantle’s new head of football operations early last month.
“There’s something about Fremantle that I feel a certain connection to. I’ve got a bit of a thing for underdogs and outsiders, so it just feels to me like a good fit,” Murphy said.
“I’m just really grateful to be given the chance to be welcomed into this proud Football Club.”
On the field, the Dockers are preparing to welcome midfielders Jordan Clark and Will Brodie from next season.
First round draft picks for Geelong and Gold Coast, respectively, Longmuir will hope the young pair can bolster the Dockers’ midfield, which has lost Adam Cerra to Carlton.
The Eagles, meanwhile, have picked up a former first-round draft pick of their own in unwanted Carlton midfielder Sam Petresvki-Seton.
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