This season, Fremantle Football Club has been doing things a bit differently when it comes to preparing for games. They’re posting pictures and bios of on-field umpires in their locker rooms! This unique program is designed to increase players’ knowledge and comfortability with the officials that will be calling their games. Commentary Sports commentator Craig Hutchison had high praise for the decision. Of that, he said, National’s move, “I think it’s smart — trying to get an edge.”
Ahead of their recent match against North Melbourne, Fremantle showcased photographs of the four umpires near the exit of their changerooms. This strategic move is designed to help players recognize the officials better, potentially improving communication and reducing penalties during games. Hutchison expressed great optimism at the benefits that could result from this approach. Still other commentators cautioned that it might pull away players who are otherwise engaged in the game.
Fremantle pulled together a gritty win over North Melbourne, 10.13 (73) to 10.7 (67). On free kicks, they even forced more, winning that tally 25-23. Luke Jackson and Josh Treacy were brilliant on the day with their completeness in the performance. Their contributions were critical to finish strong and win for the team. Jackson went on to score the match-winning goal, and Treacy made his own defensive savior quality mark under duress from three North Melbourne forwards.
Fremantle’s forward Patrick Voss shone brightly during the game, netting three first-half goals that contributed significantly to the team’s success. That moment, for context, is a big game-changing turning point that Coach Justin Longmuir dubbed “unbelievable.” He emphasized how fierce the competition is. Fremantle’s lead was assisted when Jack Darling kicked a high-pressure goal just prior to the three-quarter time siren.
Fremantle was dealt a blow as Sam Switkowski reported tightness in his hamstring midway through the third quarter. This injury will likely cause him to miss future matches. The staff will keep a close eye on his health in an effort to address each week’s games and practices.
Their creative approach to making umpires more visible and human has certainly opened a can of worms for sideline pundits to speculate on. Some expressed skepticism about whether this tactic would genuinely benefit the players, with one stating, “I reckon the players have got enough to worry about, don’t they? Without trying to memorise umpires’ names.” As one commentator pointed out, “They’re intimidating, they look like mug shots, those pics.”
