21 hours ago
Aussie NBA star Luke Travers makes surprise cameo on Roaming Brian after Fremantle's win over Essendon
Aussie NBA star Luke Travers has made a cheeky dig at close friend Luke Jackson after the Fremantle big man's standout performance against Essendon on Thursday night.
Jackson played arguably the best game of his career, kicking three goals to go with 48 hitouts, 21 disposals and 10 clearances as the Dockers romped to a 41-point win.
But that wasn't enough to impress Travers, who played down the performance when asked by Channel 7's Brian Tayler on Roaming Brian.
'He was all right ... could've been a little better here and there,' Travers joked.
Jackson and Travers both attended Willetton Senior High School in Perth and have remained close friends.
Travers, 23, plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA after stints with Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United in the NBL.
He is in Australia during the NBA off-season, spending time with friends and family.
Decked out in a Fremantle kit, Travers has around a month back home before heading back to the USA for pre-season training.
The 201cm is one of 14 Aussies making waves in the NBA.
'It's really good for the future of the Australian team, exciting times,' he added.
Travers is about to link up with a pair of fellow Aussie NBA stars in Melbourne.
'I'm about to spend the next month in Melbourne with Josh (Giddey) and Dyson Daniels,' he said.
'It'll be good competition. We always like going against each other, so it'll be good.'
Fremantle (9-5) posted their fifth win on the trot with the 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) triumph over Essendon.
Star Dockers recruit Shai Bolton ruffled a few feathers when he pointed Essendon players in the direction of the scoreboard during the second quarter, with the scoreboard reading 51-28 at the time.
'I didn't see that, but I like the edge he plays with,' Longmuir said.
'I think largely Shai valued the right things tonight. I thought his pressure and contests were really strong from the get-go.
'He plays with a bit of flair and he likes to get in the opposition's face. I didn't see the pointing at the scoreboard, but I don't mind the way he played.'
Veteran Nat Fyfe, who had spent the previous two games as the sub, earned a rare start but managed just 11 disposals and one clearance before being subbed out in the final quarter.
Fyfe spent periods stationed in attack to help fill the void left by Sam Switkowski (hamstring), and Longmuir was happy with the former captain's efforts.
'I thought he ran some really good patterns,' Longmuir said.
'I was really happy with the way he approached the role. I thought some of his physicality through the middle of the ground was great.'
Fremantle have the chance to make it six wins on the trot when they host St Kilda on Sunday week.
