Dockers where as expected: JLo

Dockers coach Justin Longmuir says his side is right where he expected them to be in his debut season.

Speaking on #SportsLine Longmuir believed their experiences held them in good stead for 2021.

"We've blooded a lot of youth into our side and we've given them a lot of responsibility." Longmuir said.

"It would have been nice to have one two more games, the Carlton game, the Essendon game spring to mind as games we let slip. It's all good learning experiences and we took some lessons from the Richmond game as well last week. I think across the course of the season we have improved."

Longmuir believed their defence was key to the win over Melbourne.

"They didn't get their ball movement going at all and off the back of that we were able to move the ball really well, probably the best we have all year to be honest."

Longmuir praised defenders Taylin Duman and Ethan Hughes who have combined well with the likes of Luke Ryan and Brennan Cox.

“They work really well together, they’re tight knit. They love the challenge, they’re hard at it and they work really well together.

“(Hughes and Duman), in particular, they’re able to play tall and small, they’re good in aerial contests and good in ground balls as well. They’re quite flexible players."

Duman could be touch and go for the short turn around to play against the Kangaroos after rolling his ankle.

“He went over on that ankle, so he’s going to be a little bit sore. He’s going to get scanned and we’ll assess it from there.

“I spoke to him this morning and he seems to be confident that it’s pulled up well but we probably won’t know for a couple of days.

“We’ll just take it day-by-day, we’ve got a pretty quick turnaround into the North Melbourne game, so I imagine he’ll be pushing it to play in that game.”

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