Speaking during his post-match press conference Justin Longmuir made special mention of the players connection and the support network the Club had provided to those feeling the loss of former teammate Cam McCarthy the most.

Pre and post-match Fremantle players paid tribute to McCarthy who tragically passed on Thursday. 

“It’s been a really tough 24 hours for Cam’s friends, family and the Freo family,” Longmuir said.

“Some of our players have done it tough and I’m really proud of the way they were able to go out there and compete tonight given the difficulties of the last 24 hours.

“To Cam’s family I’m thinking of you, and I can only imagine what you are going through. 

“Some of our players have known Cam for a long period of time and have continued those relationships post him playing for us.”

Speaking on the 48-point loss, Longmuir credited the players for the effort they gave, looking to the positives in a tough result.

“You look at three-quarter-time at the stats and we were up in contested ball, inside 50s, we were turning the ball over in our front half, we had more shots from stoppage and equal shots from turnover,” Longmuir said.

“If you had given me that at the start of the night, I would have taken it.”

Fremantle will now face an eight-day break before facing St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday 18 May.

“We make sure we do things together, make sure we keep checking in on each other, and make sure the players that have been affected have multiple avenues that they feel comfortable with and can go to,” Longmuir said.

“This is why you play team sports, so you can go through the tough times together and you have got people to lean on.

“That’s what trademark and connection is all about.

“We need to stand true in these difficult moments."