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Find your frequency hereDoesn't like losing: Simpson's view on McRae's post-game Freo comment
SEN • July 24th, 2025 6:00 pm
Following the Dockers’ major Round 19 scalp over Collingwood, Magpies’ coach Craig McRae made comment of Fremantle’s immense change of pace in the final term.
Falling nearly four goals behind early in the fourth, Fremantle opted to shift the pace of play, transitioning from their traditional slow, high possession set up to a high pace, corridor game, charging down the Pies’ lead to claim advantage late in the contest.
The win – an incredibly important four points in context of the Dockers’ season – led to some eyebrow-raising comments made by the Collingwood coach, suggesting that Fremantle should potentially consider altering their style of play.
“In our eyes, we thought Fremantle were really, really good when they needed to,” McRae said post-game.
“When they needed to get the job done, they really came hard. They play a good brand of footy when they’re up and going fast isn’t it?
“Maybe they should play a bit more of that at times. It’s a good version of them.”
Referring to his comments, former West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson believes that ‘Fly’s comments were rather distasteful, suggesting that the Collingwood coach struggles to deal with losing.
“Should we all be playing like Collingwood? Is that what Fly’s trying to say?” Simpson told SEN’s Whateley.
“I know he’s not, and it might have been a slip of the tongue, but you’ve got to be different, don’t you?
“Everyone needs to play different. If we’re all playing the same style, then it’s going to get boring. My ears pricked a little bit. I think he’s a winner, Fly. I don’t think he likes losing, like everyone.
“I wouldn’t have liked that if I was ‘Longy’ (Justin Longmuir). He probably handled it with a bit more grace than I would have.
“Collingwood are obviously very well coached, and there’s a good system and belief system, but the average age is 28. The understanding of what’s needed at the right time is A - coached well, and B – executed really well, whereas Fremantle are still learning.
“The next phase of their game plan is to be flexible, and going into finals, for everyone, there’s something that you get better at.
“Their ability to win on the road in the last quarter by playing a different style, by taking on the corridor or being more aggressive, whatever you want to call it.
“That’s in your kit bag, but that doesn’t mean you play like that every minute of every game, because that’s not what they do. They’re just a bit different.”
The Magpies remain half a game clear atop the AFL ladder heading into their clash with Richmond on Sunday, while the Dockers host the Eagles in Derby 61 to maintain a place within the top eight.
