Fremantle Senior Coach Justin Longmuir says defender Jordan Clark was the best player afield in the Club’s gritty 12-point win over the Saints.
Speaking at his post-match media conference, Longmuir believes the running half-back was having an even better year than last season and would have to be in All-Australian contention.
“I thought he was the best player on the ground,” Longmuir said.
“I thought he was easily our best over the course of the night - strong in the contest, strong with his positioning - and I’m loving everything he’s doing at the moment.
"He’s really maturing as a player.”
Clark finished with 31 disposals, 10 marks, and five rebound 50s, using the ball brilliantly and playing with poise when the game around him was chaotic, with Longmuir proclaiming that 2025 has seen the 24-year-old go to another level.
“He has to be in the conversation (for All-Australian). I don’t get caught up in individual awards, and I don’t think 'Clarky' does either, but he was in the (All-Australian) squad last year and he’s had a better year this year.
"I’d imagine he’s around the mark for selection.”
Meanwhile, Longmuir praised the courageous efforts of key forward Josh Treacy, who, despite taking a heavy knee to the ribs early in the game, was once again instrumental down back late in the fourth quarter, with a clutch spoil to stop the Saints’ final attack on goal.
Longmuir even joked that it was Treacy’s strong country upbringing that contributed to his courage.
“He competes his backside off, is strong in the air, and I think that’s what allows us to play a taller side, him, Pat Voss, and Jye Amiss all join in at ground level,” Longmuir said.
“His contest on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was outstanding, and that’s what we are after from all our players, he set the tone there.
"I’m surprised he got up after that knee to the ribs. He’s a good country boy, so maybe they breed them a bit tougher in the country, even though I might not have gotten up after that hit.
"It was a brave effort, and he played out the game with the same sort of courage.
"He’s a great footballer and competes his backside off, but I think his leadership has gone to another level this year.”
The 12-point win wraps up a three-game stretch of matches in Western Australia for Fremantle, with the Club sitting sixth on the ladder and an away trip to play the Swans in Round 17 on the horizon.
