Latest news with #AndrewBrayshaw
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Fremantle are easy targets but deserve respect for hitting back
With blood still spurting out of his head, and resembling John Rambo under Soviet interrogation, Andrew Brayshaw still managed a semblance of humility, of calm and of coherence in an on-field interview on Saturday night. Brayshaw is that kind of player and it had been that kind of game. It had been an intense, occasionally spiteful contest, the sort of game Fremantle have coughed up too many times under coach Justin Longmuir. But they were the more composed and tougher side against the highly-rated Hawthorn. The Dockers laid more than 100 tackles, 14 of them coming from Brayshaw. Longmuir didn't have his head split open but whenever he loses, it always feels like it's his head on the chopping block. Whenever someone like St Kilda's Ross Lyon has a narrow loss, it's a coaching masterclass. When Longmuir loses, even when they go down narrowly to a resurgent Sydney at the SCG, he's suddenly the coach under the most pressure. In so many ways, Longmuir is an easy target. He doesn't have the 'aura', the polish, the force of personality and the playing record of many other senior coaches. He's on a rolling contract. And he's on the other side of the country to the majority of the football media. One of his fiercest and most persistent critics has been David King. A few years ago, King called Longmuir's Dockers 'a con.' He called it 'fake footy' and 'a waste of time.' He doubled down after the Dockers' loss to the Swans last Sunday, saying they had the best list in competition, that the Fremantle coaching job is the best to have in 2026, and that Longmuir was unlikely to be the man in the role. 'This guy' he called him. Longmuir, to his credit, bit back this week. King, in turn, defended his own work-rate and right to an opinion, saying, 'You'd go a long way to find someone who does more research than myself.' It's all part of what Saints coach Lyon calls 'the great pantomime.' Most of it is nonsense. Footy's ability to breathlessly inhabit an issue that really doesn't matter is probably unparalleled in public life. At this stage of the season, there's usually a deep dive on the state of the game and umpiring, and there's usually a stoush between a coach and a prominent media figure. But it's always interesting to see the unconscious biases, axe grinding and groupthink at play when it comes to assessing senior coaches. Compare, for instance, the way King and his regular co-host Kane Cornes analyse the coaching tenures of Sam Mitchell and Luke Beveridge. A 'football genius' Cornes calls Mitchell. Granted, the bar for a genius in this instance isn't particularly high. It's pretty much whoever agrees to go on radio with him that particular week. It's whoever doesn't want to throttle him or ban him from their rooms at any given moment. For the purposes of this exercise, it's also worth comparing the way they speak about Longmuir with the way they talk about Carlton coach Michael Voss. 'Vossy's doing a great job,' King said after the Blues defeat to North Melbourne. 'You haven't heard him whinge, you haven't heard him shuffle the responsibility to another department,' he added this week. 'He's taken it all on board, he has spoken with clarity,' Cornes replied. 'Word perfect.' Longmuir is rarely 'word perfect'. He doesn't live in Melbourne, he doesn't wrestle car thieves, he didn't play under Leigh Matthews, and he isn't good mates with half the Fox Footy panellists. He's therefore held to very different standards. However he's to be commended for what he's doing with this Dockers team. Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories after newsletter promotion Contrary to King's claim that they have the best list in the competition, they are still a maturing team with considerable deficiencies, especially when the ball is on the ground in their backline. But they are grinding out wins, solving problems on the run, and holding their nerve in close finishes. A lot of the hype around Fremantle, some of it a product of their own messaging, has faded, and they're all the better for it. It can be incredibly difficult and problematic to assess coaches. Premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire both said recently that they were at their best when the team was going badly. A good place to start is to pay less attention to aura, to what the current coaches say and who they say it to, and more to who they beat and how they do it. On that measure, Longmuir deserves a bit more credit and a bit more respect than what he's been afforded.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dockers praise 'bloody' good leader after epic win
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir always knew how good Andrew Brayshaw was, and on Saturday night, the young leader was at his bloodiest best. Brayshaw racked up 29 disposals, six clearances and a career-high 14 tackles as Fremantle overcame a 13-point deficit at the final change to post a fighting 13-point win over Hawthorn at Optus Stadium. With just 40 seconds remaining on the clock, Brayshaw sat at the base of a pack and copped a knee to the head from teammate Luke Jackson. It left Brayshaw with blood streaming from his head, but it didn't stop him from conducting an on-field TV interview after the 12.5 (77) to 9.10 (64) win. HEART & SOUL 💜 #foreverfreo — Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) July 12, 2025 Brayshaw had to continually wipe away the streaming blood while answering questions, with the state of his head showcasing his willingness to put his body on the line when it matters most. "I think it was bit of a show getting an interview after the game, blood dripping down. He'd be pretty happy with that," Longmuir said with a chuckle. Brayshaw was restricted to just 24 disposals and four clearances to go with three tackles in Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney a week ago, and Longmuir praised the way his star charge rebounded against Hawthorn. "He was disappointed with his game last week," Longmuir said. "I know (midfield coach) Joel Corey asked him for more defensively, and he's a barometer for us when he's bringing his pressure, when he's bringing his trademark efforts to chase down. "So him leading the way (against Hawthorn), and all our leaders leading the way in an area of focus is really important." Fremantle ended the match with 103 tackles - their intense pressure proving to be the difference. The win means eighth-placed Fremantle (11-6) are just percentage adrift of fourth spot, but they will receive an even bigger test of their premiership credentials in next Sunday's clash with Collingwood at the MCG. "It's the biggest challenge in footy," Longmuir said of taking on the ladder leaders. "You not only take on Collingwood, who are the best team in the comp, but you go and take on the Magpie Army and the crowd." Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce, who returned from a hot spot in his shin against Sydney but was unable to back up against Hawthorn, is no guarantee to return against Collingwood. Longmuir dismissed fears Pearce had suffered another hot spot, with "soreness" the official diagnosis at this stage. "It just didn't handle the full load of an AFL game last week," Longmuir said. "Given it was a six-day break, it just hasn't responded off that 13-14km that he ran last week, which is a big spike. "So we're hoping it settles down quicker."
Daily Telegraph
7 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
Frenzy after AFL star's classy interview following gruesome injury
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. WARNING: Violent content. Footy fans have been left in awe of Andrew Brayshaw after a troubling post-game interview where blood poured from his head. The Fremantle star showed no sign of distress as he spoke to Fox Footy after the Dockers' big comeback win over Hawthorn on Saturday — except for a gruesome head wound. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Brayshaw grinned and spoke with class during his on-field chat with Fox Footy's Kath Loughnan on the Optus Stadium turf just moments after the final siren sounded on the home team's 13-point win. Loughnan appeared to have second thoughts about going through with the interview, saying she earlier asked Brayshaw if he was really up for it. You can watch the ugly incident in the video player above. Andrew Brayshaw spoke with class after the game. Photo: Fox Footy. 'You let me know if you feel dizzy at all during this interview as I see the blood rushing down your face,' she said. She finished the interview by saying: 'I really feel like I need to let you go to the doctor. Thanks for chatting Andrew'. Brayshaw had come from the field in the final minute of play and was escorted to have a seat on the bench by a medical official. With blood coming down his head, Brayshaw waved to the crowd to fire them up with his hand gestures as he walked off the field. Replays showed he had taken a knee to the head during a marking contest late in the game. Brayshaw was at the bottom of a pack when teammate Luke Jackson launched into the air and accidentally took Brayshaw out in a sickening collision. None of it seemed to bother Brayshaw, who was much more interested in speaking about the impact Michael Walters had on the club as the Dockers celebrated the veteran with a special farewell. Brayshaw was the player everyone wanted to hear from at the end of the game after he provided the spark his team needed with a career-high 14 tackles, to go with 29 disposals, and six clearances. Andrew Brayshaw fired up the crowd as he walked from the field. Photo: Fox Footy. Andrew Brayshaw took a knee too the head. Photo: Fox Footy. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said Brayshaw's performances are usually a gauge for how his side plays. 'He was disappointed with his game last week as well,' Longmuir said. 'I know (midfield coach) Joel Corey asked him for more defensively, and he's a barometer for us when he's bringing his pressure, when he's bringing his trademark efforts to chase down. 'So, yeah, him leading the way, and all our leaders leading the way in an area of focus is really important.' The interview divided footy fans and there was a frenzy of social media comments made about the incident. Many fans praised Brayshaw for his bravery. Fox Footy commentator Adam Papalia said after the interview: 'Well that just typifies Andrew Brayshaw.' Footy fans on Reddit called in 'badass'. Others said it was in similar fashion to interviews UFC fighters hold inside the Octagon after fights. One footy fan posted on X: 'Brayshaw doing post game interview with more blood than a Jaws movie. 'Never seen that before haha.' The win was Fremantle's seventh in eight weeks and they are now four points ahead of the ninth-placed Western Bulldogs. Longmuir said he'll let the players enjoy the win over the Hawks before looking towards the their blockbuster against Collingwood. 'Yeah, it's the biggest challenge in footy,' he said about the Round 19 task. 'You go not only to take on Collingwood, who are the best team in the comp, but you go and take on the Magpie Army and the crowd and yeah, it's a great challenge for us. 'So, we'll enjoy this win first. Wins are hard to come by. 'Allow the players to sit in it for a few days and then we'll start prepping for Collingwood, so a great challenge.' — with NewsWire Originally published as Frenzy after AFL star's classy interview following gruesome injury
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Footy fans stunned by AFL star's post-game interview after suffering shocking injury
AFL fans were left stunned by Fremantle star Andrew Brayshaw after he delivered a post-match interview while blood streamed from a head wound he sustained during his side's comeback victory. The Dockers trailed Hawthorn by 13 points at the final change of Saturday night's match, but kicked four goals to nil in the last quarter to seal the 12.5 (77) to 9.10 (64) win in front of 49,460 fans. The result improved Fremantle's record to 11-6, leaving them just percentage adrift of fourth spot. Brayshaw calmly agreed to be interviewed after the match by reporter Kath Loughnan, despite blood streaming down his face. 'You let me know if you feel dizzy at all during this interview as I see the blood rushing down your face,' Loughnan said. The footy star sustained the injury when he was struck by a knee during a marking contest in the final minutes. Brayshaw was injured by a knee during a marking contest in the final minutes Following the interview, footy fans took to social media to praise Brayshaw. 'Brayshaw doing post game interview with more blood than a Jaws movie,' posted one X user. 'Andrew Brayshaw doing an interview with blood p***ing from his head is absolute elite level of athleticism,' posted another. Others believed another player could have been selected to speak to while Brayshaw got stitched up. Fremantle goalsneak Sam Switkowski made a stunning return from injury, kicking three goals to lead the Dockers to a gutsy 13-point win over Hawthorn. Switkowski, in his first match back from a hamstring injury, not only was the leading goalscorer on the ground, but was also the most creative. The 28-year-old finished with a match-high eight score involvements to go with 16 disposals, often shrugging off tackles or side-stepping opponents to set up attacking forays. 'Yeah he hit the scoreboard, that's nice, but he brings so much to our forward line in terms of leadership,' Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said. 'He's probably one of the unheralded leadership group members in terms of he slides under the radar a little bit, but I love his leadership, the way he leads those around him. 'Some of his defensive acts would probably not show up on TV, and people just watching the game probably don't notice, but they're massive. 'He never gives up. His footy awareness, footy smarts in contested situations is second to none. It was good to see him get some reward on the scoreboard.' Hawthorn opted against a hard tag on Caleb Serong. The star midfielder tallied just 11 disposals and a clearance against Sydney last week, but rebounded with 29 possessions and nine clearances on Saturday night. Jordan Clark (31 disposals) also relished the greater freedom. Former Docker Lloyd Meek tallied 46 hitouts and 11 disposals against Sean Darcy (26 hitouts) and Luke Jackson (31 hitouts) in an intriguing ruck battle. Hawthorn antagonist Jack Ginnivan was booed throughout the match on the way to 27 disposals and one goal, while Karl Amon (30 disposals, 696m gained) was also influential for the Hawks. Longmuir had copped a barrage of criticism from North Melbourne legend David King in the wake of last week's 11-point loss to Sydney. King questioned whether Longmuir was the right man to lead Fremantle to a flag, and the Dockers coach hit back by saying King had never built a list, game plan or culture before. Fremantle were looking wobbly at three-quarter time on Saturday night, but a Switkowski snap to begin the final quarter fired them into action. Patrick Voss followed it up with a 48m set shot, Darcy nailed his own set shot, and when Josh Treacy converted one from 49m, it was 'Wharfie Time'' for the bustling crowd. Voss and Hawthorn captain James Sicily engaged in a fierce wrestle before the first bounce, setting the tone for the match. Recently retired Fremantle forward Michael Walters did a lap of honour at half-time, revving up the home fans. It also seemed to fire up his fellow goalsneaks Switkowski and Frederick, with the pair each scoring a major early in the third term to fire Fremantle to the lead. But an opportunistic soccer goal from Hawthorn forward Connor Macdonald and a big mark in attack from sub Finn Maginness ensured the Hawks went to the final break with a handy advantage. Basic skill errors hurt Fremantle badly in the third quarter, but they came out firing in the last to secure the vital victory.
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Frenzy after AFL star's classy interview following gruesome injury
WARNING: Violent content. Footy fans have been left in awe of Andrew Brayshaw after a troubling post-game interview where blood poured from his head. The Fremantle star showed no sign of distress as he spoke to Fox Footy after the Dockers' big comeback win over Hawthorn on Saturday — except for a gruesome head wound. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Brayshaw grinned and spoke with class during his on-field chat with Fox Footy's Kath Loughnan on the Optus Stadium turf just moments after the final siren sounded on the home team's 13-point win. Loughnan appeared to have second thoughts about going through with the interview, saying she earlier asked Brayshaw if he was really up for it. You can watch the ugly incident in the video player above. 'You let me know if you feel dizzy at all during this interview as I see the blood rushing down your face,' she said. She finished the interview by saying: 'I really feel like I need to let you go to the doctor. Thanks for chatting Andrew'. Brayshaw had come from the field in the final minute of play and was escorted to have a seat on the bench by a medical official. With blood coming down his head, Brayshaw waved to the crowd to fire them up with his hand gestures as he walked off the field. Replays showed he had taken a knee to the head during a marking contest late in the game. Brayshaw was at the bottom of a pack when teammate Luke Jackson launched into the air and accidentally took Brayshaw out in a sickening collision. None of it seemed to bother Brayshaw, who was much more interested in speaking about the impact Michael Walters had on the club as the Dockers celebrated the veteran with a special farewell. Brayshaw was the player everyone wanted to hear from at the end of the game after he provided the spark his team needed with a career-high 14 tackles, to go with 29 disposals, and six clearances. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said Brayshaw's performances are usually a gauge for how his side plays. 'He was disappointed with his game last week as well,' Longmuir said. 'I know (midfield coach) Joel Corey asked him for more defensively, and he's a barometer for us when he's bringing his pressure, when he's bringing his trademark efforts to chase down. 'So, yeah, him leading the way, and all our leaders leading the way in an area of focus is really important.' The interview divided footy fans and there was a frenzy of social media comments made about the incident. Many fans praised Brayshaw for his bravery. Fox Footy commentator Adam Papalia said after the interview: 'Well that just typifies Andrew Brayshaw.' Footy fans on Reddit called in 'badass'. Others said it was in similar fashion to interviews UFC fighters hold inside the Octagon after fights. One footy fan posted on X: 'Brayshaw doing post game interview with more blood than a Jaws movie. 'Never seen that before haha.' The win was Fremantle's seventh in eight weeks and they are now four points ahead of the ninth-placed Western Bulldogs. Longmuir said he'll let the players enjoy the win over the Hawks before looking towards the their blockbuster against Collingwood. 'Yeah, it's the biggest challenge in footy,' he said about the Round 19 task. 'You go not only to take on Collingwood, who are the best team in the comp, but you go and take on the Magpie Army and the crowd and yeah, it's a great challenge for us. 'So, we'll enjoy this win first. Wins are hard to come by. 'Allow the players to sit in it for a few days and then we'll start prepping for Collingwood, so a great challenge.'
