Fremantle AFL recruit James Aish says his trust in Justin Longmuir had convinced him to make the move west – but he hasn’t been won over by the new coach’s jokes.

Aish, who started his AFL career at Brisbane, played 32 games over four seasons at Collingwood before requesting a trade to Fremantle.

The signing of Longmuir as Fremantle’s new senior coach was a major drawcard for Aish.

Longmuir was an assistant at Collingwood during Aish’s time there, and the pair formed a strong bond.

“A large reason (for me coming) was my trust in him and the way I think he can develop me as a player and open up new opportunities for me now,” Aish said.

“He was the backline coach for Collingwood, so I had two years with him.

“I think he backed me in as a player and often, post-injuries, I was straight back in I think largely due to him.

“I really respect the way he coaches and his philosophies as well.

“He puts all his faith into you. He doesn’t worry about your mistakes. He just wants you to be confident, and he helps you essentially believe in yourself.”

Aish said Longmuir was tactically astute and would develop a good game plan.

But as for Longmuir’s pre-training ritual?

“He’ll crack a gag at the start of training. They’re normally pretty average but he’ll get a few laughs,” Aish said with a smile.

Aish, 24, is set to play an important role on the wing next season after the departures of Brad Hill and Ed Langdon.

The sight of Jesse Hogan on the training track on Monday would have brought a big smile to many Dockers fans.

The star forward, grounded since undergoing foot surgery in July, ran laps and completed kicking drills at the club’s base in Cockburn.

Skipper Nat Fyfe, who underwent shoulder surgery, also ran laps.