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Fremantle boss Simon Garlick says young Dockers gained far more than eight points from hub experience

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Bonnie RaynorThe West Australian
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Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick says the Dockers’ 3-2 win loss record in the Gold Coast hub has seen the team gain far more than just the eight points.

Fremantle’s first-year CEO, alongside first-year coach Justin Longmuir, admitted the 24/7 living arrangements provided major silver linings for a young team who is still getting to know their new coach.

“We’re really pleased, we obviously went over to South East Queensland with a mind to winning as many games as possible, but it was a bit more than just about wins and losses for us,” Garlick told 6PR Breakfast.

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“We’ve got a young group, a new coach, so the opportunity to be together for that period of time was really beneficial on a number of fronts.”

Garlick says Saturday’s gutsy come-from-behind victory over St Kilda displayed the fighting brand Longmuir is looking to establish while at the helm.

“Clearly we’ve been competitive in every game so it was disappointing not to get an immediate return but the last two weeks particularly, and after quarter-time on Saturday, was incredibly pleasing,” he said.

“I think we’re seeing the style that Justin wants to play and particularly with a few men down in was an incredibly heartening win.”

Travis Colyer and Michael Walters of the Dockers celebrate winning the round 6 AFL match.
Camera IconTravis Colyer and Michael Walters of the Dockers celebrate winning the round 6 AFL match. Credit: Chris Hyde/via AFL Photos

The former Bulldogs CEO said while he’s none the wiser on who the next Victorian-based clubs to enter the WA hub will be, it’s easy to figure out who will follow the Cats and Pies out west.

“What we’re hearing is like everyone else, that Carlton and the Bulldogs are next in line,” he said.

“The easiest way to look at it is a process of elimination, the sides that neither us or West Coast have played this year, and those who haven’t played each other (are next).

“The AFL wants to get them over to play three games basically so I know Richmond are part of that group, North Melbourne as well so we’re hearing probably what you guys are at the moment that Carlton the Bulldogs are the next cabs off the rank.”

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