Fremantle Coach Justifies Walker's Selection Despite Injury Setback

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has defended the choice to include small defender Brandon Walker in the lineup for the Qualifying Final, despite the team's loss to Hawthorn.

Walker, who had not played since Round 1, was tasked with containing Nick Watson, who had recently earned All-Australian honors. Although Walker managed to limit Watson's impact to some extent, Watson still scored two goals during the match.

Longmuir expressed satisfaction with Walker's performance, noting that the decision to play him was based on confidence in his abilities. Unfortunately, Walker suffered a rolled ankle in the second half and was unable to return, visibly upset on the bench. Longmuir indicated that the injury might be serious, as it prevented Walker from continuing, which is particularly unfortunate given Walker's history of injuries over the past two years.