Fit Nat Fyfe looms as a major AFL weapon for Dockers

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has praised Nat Fyfe for adding more layers to his game, saying the two-time Brownlow medallist is no longer just a "bash and crash" midfielder.

Last year's experiment of playing Fyfe as a forward has been well and truly canned, with the 32-year-old starring in his customary midfield role in Saturday's 52-point pre-season win over West Coast.

With a full pre-season under his belt, Fyfe's fitness is the best it's been for years.

Longmuir believes Fyfe, a noted contested beast, is now a more rounded midfielder.

"I think Fyfey has added some layers to his own game, which complements his own game but also complements the way we play," Longmuir said.

"I don't think he's solely reliant on the contest as much as maybe he used to be.

"He can't just be the bash-and-crash player he used to be, because we've got other guys that can help in that area.

"We need to make sure we spread the load."

Nat Fyfe.
Nat Fyfe tries to evade Eagles tacklers during the Dockers' win over West Coast.

A significant part of the "layers" that Fyfe has been able to add is his ability to work back and help out the defence.

"He's been able to get a good body of work together with his fitness, so he's been able to really work on his transition," Longmuir said.

"Some of the contests he won (against West Coast) were off the back of his good transition work, rather than just his stoppage work.

"We want him to get forward when he gets the opportunity, we want him to work back and support the defenders when it's his turn, and he's shown over the pre-season that he's become really consistent in that."

There were plenty of positives to come out of Saturday's hit-out for Fremantle.

Jye Amiss booted three goals in the third quarter, and combined well with fellow tall forwards Luke Jackson (two goals) and Josh Treacy (two goals).

Small forward Tom Emmett was lively, and looms as the ideal replacement for the departed Lachie Schultz.

Hayden Young, who has played most of his career in defence, was impressive in the midfield alongside the likes of Fyfe, Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.

Forward Michael Walters copped a knock to his knee in the first half, but he's expected to be fine for Friday's practice match against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.

Recruit Jeremy Sharp missed the match against the Eagles due to illness, leaving him only the Power clash to prove his worth for a round-one berth.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store