Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir lashes pundit David King over constant criticism of Dockers

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir lined up former Kangaroos star David King and went whack on Thursday, sick of the criticism the media pundit sends his way.

Despite winning six of the past seven games, and being only percentage outside the top eight, King said Longmuir was the most “under pressure” coach following a loss to Sydney.

Longmuir wasn’t copping it and at his weekly press conference launched into King, confused as to why he and the Dockers were a constant target and questioning whether the premiership winner knew what it took to coach a team.

“If I had $1 for every time someone asked me what I’ve done to David King, I’d be a rich man and I’d probably be in the Bahamas guts up rather than doing this job,” he said.

“In the end, everyone needs to understand it’s just David’s opinion. We’re a game based on opinion and that’s his opinion. That’s enough said about it.

“I don’t want to be disrespectful towards anyone, but I don’t think David’s put together a game plan, put together a list, put together a culture. It’s just an opinion and that’s what I take it as.

“It seems to be a little bit over the top, but it seems to be his way with me.”

Longmuir is on a rolling contract with the Dockers, who face top-four aspirants Hawthorn at home on Saturday and could break into the top eight with a win.

A loss could hurt their finals chances, but Longmuir said he wouldn’t get distracted by the opinions of those paid purely to voice one and would listen only to “people I trust around this club”.

“I don’t get caught up in it because I am always looking forward and looking towards how I can improve my coaching, how I can improve the way we’re playing and try to live by the mantra I teach the players every day. And that’s living in the moment,” he said.

“I know people get caught up in it and some people around me get caught up in that stuff, but really I am just focused on the opinions of people I trust around this club and doing the best I can.”