Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has denied claims that he and Michael Walters have had a falling out, despite the star forward's lack of form.
Earlier this week, former Fremantle assistant coach Peter Sumich surmised that Walter's and Longmuir were at a crossroads, with Walters needing to spend time in the WAFL to regain his form.
Walters' midfield time has dropped dramatically in 2021 which had lead to suggestions of a rift with the coach.
The Dockers coach was quick to combat the comments, stating his belief that Walters can turn around his poor run of form.
"That's a long way from the truth. He hasn't had the output he would like, or we would like, but I'm really confident he can turn it around," Longmuir told Channel Seven.
"We've seen some real growth in his ability to execute a role for the team and his leadership has grown enormously over the last 18 months.
"We'll do all we can to help him get back into form and impact games like he used to, but as far as me and him having a rift, that's far from the truth."
The star forward's output this season is a far cry from the form that saw him land an All-Australian jumper in 2019.
Walters has only managed 12 goals from 13 games and is averaging just 13.5 disposals per match this season.
The 30-year-old has only spent 18.7% of game time in the middle this year, down from 43% in 2020 and from 58.9% the year before that, perย AFL.com.ย
The sharp decline in form has been brought into closer focus this week after Walters gathered only nine disposals and a goal in Fremantle's Round 15 loss to the Blues.
However, Longmuir declares that there won't be any dramatic changes to help the former All-Australian back into form.
"Our midfield is pretty set, so thereโs only a certain amount of blokes you can play through the midfield," Longmuir added.
"(But) weโll keep looking at ways we can get him into the game."
Fremantle will look to get back on the winners list when they take on the Hawks at 1:45pm on Saturday.
