Fremantle players were left shocked by Ross Lyon’s axing but defender Alex Pearce is confident they will all be behind incoming coach Justin Longmuir and his new way of thinking.
Lyon was axed in August despite having a year remaining on his contract, with chief executive Steve Rosich also fired on a dramatic day at the club.
Longmuir has since been appointed head coach on a three-year deal, while a new chief executive is expected to be in place by the end of the month.
Pearce met with Longmuir for a coffee on Tuesday, and he’s excited about what the former Dockers forward will bring to the club.
“We were a little but disappointed and we didn’t know how to respond (after Ross Lyon’s departure),” Pearce told the Fremantle website.
“Within a week or two, you just have to move on and to have Justin come on board, it’s exciting to have a new way of doing things, to have a fresh set of eyes and a fresh opinion to help the whole club. I think everyone feels the same.
“It’s definitely different, I’ve never been in this situation before.
“But I think when everyone is back together in a couple of months, there will be a new positive energy and I’m looking forward to what comes from it.”
The Dockers have missed the finals for four consecutive seasons, and the likely loss of Brad Hill and Ed Langdon during trade week will hurt their 2020 finals hopes.
But Pearce feels Longmuir has the potential to bring out the best in the group.
“The overarching thing was that Justin is a Freo man and he’s passionate,” Pearce said.
“I think myself and all the playing group (are really) driven to be successful and I think Justin is absolutely wired the same.
“It’s exciting to be able to build a new relationship and try and get the best out of myself and the best out of the team.
“I think we all feel like we were a pretty good team and at our best we can be great.”
“Personally I hope I can become a better player under Justin and he can teach me a few new things as well.”
Pearce was in All-Australian form before fracturing his left ankle in round 11.