Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has urged Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir to make the bold decision to drop forward Patrick Voss for Friday night’s do-or-die semi-final against Geelong at Optus Stadium.
The call comes after the Dockers’ 32-point qualifying-final defeat by Hawthorn on September 3, when Fremantle managed only five goals in a disappointing attacking display.
Speaking on 3AW Football, Lloyd said Voss had struggled for an extended period and should be replaced in the side. “I think Patrick Voss has been down for so long I’d consider dropping him next week,” he said.
“Over the last month he’s been average,” Lloyd added, arguing that Fremantle needed to alter its forward line if it was to remain a serious premiership contender.
Voss enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 campaign, kicking 37 goals in 20 matches and finishing second only to Josh Treacy in Fremantle’s goalkicking. The 22-year-old has since signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until at least 2030.
Fremantle’s semi-final against Geelong is scheduled for Friday, September 11, with the loser eliminated from the finals. The Dockers will be seeking a response after Hawthorn exposed shortcomings in their attack during the qualifying final.
Lloyd’s recommendation would represent a significant selection call for Longmuir, with Fremantle required to balance Voss’s physical presence inside 50 against his recent lack of impact.
