Fremantle’s List Manager Rejects Carlton Interest
Fremantle’s list manager, David Walls, has reportedly turned down an offer to join AFL rivals Carlton. This decision comes after coach Justin Longmuir also stated he would not consider any potential interest from the Blues. Leading reporter Cal Twomey revealed on Channel 9 that Carlton had reached out to Walls in recent weeks, but he has firmly rejected the proposition.
Walls’ late father, Robert, was a Carlton legend who played 218 games for the club and later coached them for an additional 84 matches. Despite this familial connection, David has no intention of making a nostalgic move to the Blues at this time.
“We know the Blues are looking for a list manager,” Twomey said on ‘Footy Classified’. “David Walls, who has been the architect of the Fremantle list build, has been a target of the Blues. He’s a flat ‘no’. He’s staying at the Dockers and wants to see it through. He’s not going to be budging off that.”
Longmuir Also Rules Out Potential Move
Walls’ rejection is part of a broader trend, as Longmuir has also ruled out any potential interest from Carlton. Following Michael Voss’s departure as head coach, Kane Cornes suggested that the Blues should offer Longmuir $6 million to join their ranks.
However, Longmuir later dismissed the idea entirely. When asked if he would even consider a phone call from Carlton, the Dockers coach responded: “No, I wouldn’t. I’m very comfortable coaching Freo, I’m very comfortable with the contract I’ve got at the moment.”
“I understand the noise around it and what it looks like externally without diving into the facts. But just like all contracts aren’t the same, all employment agreements aren’t the same. I’m very confident and comfortable with the level of security it gives me and my family. I’m very comfortable with where it sits with the club. We all are, so it’s a non-story from my point of view.”
Contract Details and Longmuir’s Preference
Cornes believed that Longmuir might be tempted by a more concrete offer than what he currently has with Fremantle. The Dockers recently moved to change Longmuir’s fixed-term contract to an ‘employment agreement’. However, Longmuir has expressed his preference for the current arrangement, stating that it means there’s “no end date”.
This shift in contract structure has provided Longmuir with greater job security, which he values highly. His decision to remain with Fremantle reflects a strong commitment to the club and its vision for the future.
Key Takeaways
- David Walls has rejected an offer to join Carlton, despite his father’s legacy with the club.
- Justin Longmuir has also ruled out any potential move to the Blues, emphasizing his satisfaction with his current role at Fremantle.
- The Dockers have made changes to Longmuir’s contract to provide him with greater stability.
- Both Walls and Longmuir have shown a clear commitment to remaining with Fremantle, indicating a strong team dynamic and shared goals.
