Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has hit back at critics of his one-year contract extension, saying they are taking pot shots without knowing the full picture.
Eyebrows were raised when Fremantle handed Longmuir a one-year extension on the eve of the season, tying him to the AFL club until 2025.
Questions were raised about the timing of the deal given Fremantle were coming off a 14th-placed finish last year and the fact it was only a one-year extension.
Former Kangaroos star David King and ex-Hawthorn champion Jason Dunstall were among the high-profile critics.
But Longmuir, who manages himself, was happy with the new deal, which is believed to include contract triggers along with better protection for the fifth-year coach.
“It’s pretty easy to have shots from across the other side of the country,” Longmuir told reporters on Wednesday.
“I value the people who see me go to work every day and see how I act inside the club.
"People want to take shots like that from across the country not really knowing the background. I don’t really get caught up in that, it doesn’t really affect me.
"What I value is the people that see me go to work, the players, the footy department, the club.
"They see me go to work every day, they see my messages to the players, they see my relationships and the culture we’re building here. That’s the opinion I go on.”
Fremantle opened their season with an impressive 23-point victory over Brisbane last week.
But the win came at a major cost with defender Brennan Cox (hamstring) to miss around 12-15 weeks and fellow backman Oscar McDonald (knee) also set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
McDonald hyperextended his left knee in an awkward landing and the swelling is still so bad he hasn't been able to have a full assessment.
Longmuir said it won't be known until later this week or early next week whether McDonald has torn his ACL.
"We're unsure. We can't tell that until we get an assessment by the surgeon," Longmuir said.
"When there's a lot of swelling and a fair bit of soreness it's hard to get that accurate assessment.
"It's a significant injury and he's obviously done some damage, and damage to different areas of the knee.
"We don't know whether it's going to be a medium termer or a long termer."
Cox played as a forward against Brisbane, and his injury opens the door for either Matt Taberner or Pat Voss to come in for Saturday's clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Ruckman Liam Reidy could be handed his AFL debut if Longmuir wants to station Luke Jackson in attack.
Key defender Hugh Davies and forward Josh Draper are others in line for their debuts.
Karl Worner's concussion could open the door for Brandon Walker to return to the side with the defender having recovered well from last year's dislocated knee.
