The elimination final team will likely feature more than a dozen players from that previous September appearance, when the Dockers were knocked out in week two.
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“There’s a fair few players there, but there’s also a lot of change,” Longmuir said.
“We’ve evolved the forward line especially since then.
“To be honest, it feels like we’re a really different team, so the focus is on the growth this year rather than looking back that far.
“What we’ve been able to do is build a style of footy that is able to be adaptive to opposition we’ve played against and game situation.”
Longmuir would prefer the pre-finals bye was moved to the week before the grand final but feels Fremantle will benefit from the break in its existing slot this year.
In particular, it will allow Hayden Young to build more fitness after returning from his latest soft-tissue setback in the 15-point win over the Bulldogs.
The star midfielder was on managed minutes but still had a significant impact, tallying 16 disposals and six clearances in 65 per cent of game time.
“It’s a bit of a build for him and that’s the bonus of the two weeks,” Longmuir said.
“He’ll do a big session on Friday which will set him up for next week and we’ve probably got a couple of guys in that boat.”
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Fremantle have four players – Andrew Brayshaw, Jordan Clark, Luke Jackson and Caleb Serong – named in the All-Australian squad, with the final team to be named on Thursday night.
Young gun Murphy Reid is also among the leading contenders for the Rising Star award.
“They’ve all had really consistent years and helped us get where they are, so fingers crossed for all of them,” Longmuir said.
