Fremantle defender Luke Ryan has opened up about the group’s love for Justin Longmuir, saying he’s been left in disbelief at times this season by the criticism directed at the sixth-year coach.

The Dockers will return to finals action for the first time since 2022 on Saturday night when they host Gold Coast in an elimination final at Optus Stadium.

The knives were out for Longmuir following the club’s 61-point loss to St Kilda in round eight, which left Fremantle nursing a 4-4 record.

And North Melbourne great David King questioned whether Longmuir was the right man to lead the Dockers to premiership glory after they lost to Sydney by 11 points at the SCG in round 17.

That stinging criticism was particularly surprising given Fremantle were on a six-game winning streak before that tight

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