Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says the recent criticism of his demeanour is laughable, claiming people outside of the club have no idea what happens behind closed doors.
Former Hawthorn star Dermott Brereton questioned whether Longmuir’s calm demeanour played a role in Fremantle's insipid 70-point loss to GWS a fortnight ago.
The Dockers rebounded from that heavy loss with a clinical 32-point win - 14.9 (93) to 9.7 (61) - over Essendon in Perth on Saturday night.
Fremantle were uncompetitive in the clearances against GWS, but it was a different story against Essendon as they booted 8.5 (53) from stoppages, including 4.4 (28) from centre bounces.
In the lead-up to the match, Longmuir reinforced to his players the need to win the contested possession battle and get back to their core values.
He said criticism of his demeanour had been "water off a duck's back".
"It's a bit laughable, really," Longmuir said.
"I'll cop criticism about preparing the team to perform (against GWS). I'm a big part in that and I copped my part in that.
"But I don't think anyone in the media really knows how I coach behind the scenes or the way I go about it.
"So being able to think you can judge that off the TV screen and seeing someone's reaction in the box and after a goal, it is what it is.
"I didn't change anything this week.
"I like to think as a senior coach you need to be authentic and your players need to know what their coach is going to give them in terms of their demeanour, and a level of consistency is critical.
"So that's the way I'll continue to coach."
Longmuir praised the way his players handled the aftermath of the loss to GWS.
"Sometimes after those sorts of performances, there can be a bit of finger pointing," Longmuir said.
"But I thought from the moment the game finished, everyone took their part in owning that performance, staff and coaches included.
"They came to work on Monday with a real determination to learn from it and get back on track, and we had a great week."
Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce was subbed off in the final quarter against Essendon and immediately strapped ice to his lower right leg.
Longmuir said it was just an injury that Pearce has been managing for several weeks, with the defender expected to front up for Saturday's clash with the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
