Why Fyfe should look forward for the future
He’s 191 centimetres and 94 kilograms.
They’re not your usual dimensions for a hulking full forward.
But yet again, Nat Fyfe is not your usual footballer.
Nat Fyfe is back and ready to make a big impact. Credit:Getty Images
His career to date has shown few are able to rub shoulders with him in the midfield, as the only dual Brownlow Medallist in the competition.
But it’s now time for some forward thinking, starting with Saturday’s must-win clash against GWS.
Fyfe is set to spend larger periods of the game in attack, mainly due to the absence of Rory Lobb, Matt Taberner and Josh Treacy; while Griffin Logue’s fitness is another area of concern.
It’s a snapshot of what the rest of the year and potentially his career can and should look like.
Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind, save the warriors from themselves.
The 30 year-old has crafted a glittering career of see-ball get-ball, a contested, inside midfielder who has done it better than most since his career started more than a decade ago.
But his body isn’t what it used to be.
Complications with a shoulder reconstruction forced Fyfe into more surgery late last year.
Since then he’s undergone a back operation and most recently a hamstring injury has interrupted his 2022 – restricting him to just six games.
Caleb Serong. Credit:Getty Images
Lacking match fitness and not at his physical best – he can still have a major impact and say in how far Fremantle go in their finals return.
Playing closer to goal isn’t a foreign concept, after all, Fyfe kicked three goals from 21 touches in the Dockers Round 17 victory over the Saints.
He’s twice kicked four goals in a game and despite being a skinny teenager, one major reason his name was called out at pick 20 in 2009 was his aerial prowess and ability to hit the scoreboard.
In his stunning Colts year at Claremont, Fyfe’s resume included an eight-goal outing against East Fremantle and a grand final performance leaving national selectors drooling.
Six goals, 10 marks, 20 possessions from full forward against All Australian defender and eventual Eagles draftee Blayne Wilson.
Add into this his U/18’s year, where he booted nine goals from four games.
Right now, the Dockers attack is the area causing the most headaches, their scoring in the back end of the year significantly drying up.
In the past five games Fremantle have kicked 10 goals just once, compared to 10 out of 13 weeks before their Round 14 bye.
Coincidentally, Fyfe’s return came in the Round 13 win over the Hawks.
Following his 22 touch, one-goal performance, Fyfe was interviewed.
“Our young team has really developed,” he said.
“I said to Caleb (Serong) and Andy (Brayshaw) treat me like a first gamer. Tell me where to go, set me up.”
He’s right.
His teammates have taken the midfield baton and shown they’re up for the fight in his absence – noting a 8-3 win-loss record prior to Fyfe’s return.
Brayshaw has more than stepped up.
The man likely to take over from Fyfe as captain has relished the role of number one midfielder, the increased responsibility, leadership and close attention.
So closely has he followed the Fyfe manual, he’s also at the pointy end of the Brownlow Medal market.
Serong has taken his game to another level, stamping himself as a hard-nosed competitor who never shirks the contest.
The addition of Will Brodie has added another dimension – the former Sun turning himself into an elite ball hunter and delivering on his potential as a top 10 draft pick.
It’s why the Fyfe in attack option shouldn’t be a “break in case of emergency” back-up plan, but rather part of the game plan.
Taking a look at his stats in attack uncovers some untouched gold.
This year, Fyfe rates above the AFL average for goals, shots on goal, goal assists and score involvements.
When his tackles inside 50 and pressure acts also fall into the same category – it’s clear he’s a player of immense value to the Dockers forward line.
Yes, Fyfe may not be built like your traditional power forward, but Carlton’s Charlie Curnow – the hottest goalkicker in the league and Coleman Medal leader – is only a mere centimetre taller.
The upside is immense, giving a chop out to the likes of Lobb, Taberner and Logue.
Fyfe can make it a September to remember.Credit:Getty Images
He provides a genuine marking target and new look to a front six struggling to function while potentially adding longevity to his career.
There’s not one defender in the league who would feel comfortable being sent to stand Nat Fyfe in defensive 50.
And as a competitive beast at heart, one sniff of a soft kill is all he could need to produce a September to remember.
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