WHEN Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir talks about the importance of being reliable and not remarkable during finals, there is every chance that Corey Wagner is the type of player he is picturing. 

A tough, disciplined and team-first midfielder who will put his hand up for any role, including the difficult task of tagging Sydney star Errol Gulden on Friday night if that is what the Dockers need. 

Being reliable is something that Wagner prides himself on, playing a role that goes under the radar but is critical within the Dockers' system to allow the club's stars to shine. 

It is exactly what the Dockers needed against Geelong, and it is why Longmuir had faith to recall the 29-year-old to play the first final of his 71-game career after several injury interruptions this year. 

"I don't need to do those big things and change the game. I might have my moments, but I think that's the way the team needs me to play and that's the way I like to play," Wagner told AFL.com.au.

"I might have a moment here or there where I've got to put my head down and crash a pack or make a big tackle, but I know we've got so many stars in the team that I can just play my role. 

"You're trying to make the team better, and even just blocking for 'Sebba' (Caleb Serong) so he can get free, I'm content with that and I really like that. I think that's where my journey is going to go."

06:54

Jackson’s biggest test, beware a Sydney ‘ambush’

Michael Voss and Matthew Lloyd discuss Luke Jackson’s dominant Semi Final performance and the mouthwatering match-up against Brodie Grundy that awaits him this weekend, before they analyse the importance of winning the clearance game and how the Dockers need to be prepared for a Sydney ambush.

Published on Sep 15, 2026

Wagner's team-first approach was captured against Geelong with a brilliant tackle on Bailey Smith early in the fourth quarter, with his commitment to close down the Geelong superstar and force him out of bounds preventing the Cats from pumping the ball forward at an important point in the game. 

The former Melbourne and North Melbourne midfielder laid an equal game-high eight tackles and had 20 pressure acts, behind only Andrew Brayshaw for Fremantle, playing with a clear purpose that went beyond winning the footy.   

"I hardly touched it. I reckon I got just over 10 touches (13 and six score involvements), and I felt like I had one of the better games of my career," Wagner said. 

"I just enjoyed it so much, and I think I get so much more fulfillment out of doing that than having 30 and maybe 10 turnovers. 

Corey Wagner handballs during Fremantle's semi-final against Geelong on September 11, 2026. Picture: Getty Images

"I just really enjoyed it, and I rode the high on the weekend because I just felt like I'd played a good game for the team."

Wagner could be thrust into the spotlight on Friday night if the Dockers choose to tag Gulden, with the Dockers' No.34 among the players capable of filling that role for Freo given his running power and discipline. 

Winger Matt Johnson is another player who could provide a bigger-bodied defensive option on Gulden, while star midfielder Brayshaw has shown this season that he can add great value to the team when using his accountable strengths.  

Wagner said he would welcome the chance to tag Gulden if called on at the SCG, but Fremantle's midfield had performed well in recent weeks when backing its own system. 

Corey Wagner competes with Errol Gulden during the round 17 match between Sydney and Fremantle at Sydney Cricket Ground on July 6, 2025. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

"Absolutely, if there's an opportunity there and he gets off the chain, JL knows I'm ready for those jobs," said Wagner, who has previously tagged Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos with success. 

"But I think the way the team's been going, we've just been playing our way and I feel like that's when we play our best. 

"Players like [Gulden] are always going to find the footy, but if you can nullify them having the eight score involvements and [limit them] to six, then you're doing your job.

"I'm not much of a chirper, so I don't like to fire them up. If I start chirping, they're usually pretty good."

Corey Wagner marks the ball during Fremantle's clash against West Coast in round six, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Wagner's path to a preliminary final has highlighted his resilience both at Fremantle and over the course of his career as a three-club player who has been delisted twice. 

On the injury front, he has battled calf and hamstring injuries as a Docker before a heel issue last year and then torn pectoral in the final home and away game of the season ruled him out of the Dockers' finals campaign. 

This season he managed hip bursitis late in the campaign and had to be pulled out of WAFL matches when he couldn't get through a captain's run. 

The hard-working runner has persisted though and is feeling fresh, finally getting a shot in September after being delisted by North Melbourne at the end of 2017 and then cut by Melbourne at the end of 2020 without playing a final. 

Corey Wagner during the round 16 match between North Melbourne and Fremantle at Docklands on July 9, 2017. Picture: AFL Photos

"I thought that I was done," Wagner said, with the Queenslander earning his third AFL chance after an impressive stint in the VFL with Port Melbourne, with Fremantle pouncing at the end of 2022. 

"A little fella like me, it's usually the big boys who get the second and third chances, so I never thought I was going to get that third chance and there's just enjoyment for me just getting into the team. Everything else is just a bonus. 

"I'm nearly 30 now, so I'm sort of at the back end of the career and I just want my boys to watch me play and hopefully they can remember that. 

"They're my priority. I go home and they're there and I love them. I love coming to work and I love this group, so I'm just enjoying the moment."