Fremantle coach Longmuir praises Fyfe-Serong double act

Nat Fyfe turned back the clock with his display in Fremantle's win over the Bulldogs. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

The Nat Fyfe of old is back, but he's not the only Fremantle midfielder opposition sides will be having nightmares about.

Fyfe wound back the clock on Saturday night with 37 disposals, seven clearances, one goal and 443 metres gained in his team's 14.11 (95) to 10.11 (71) win over the Western Bulldogs.

It marked his highest possession count since the two-time Brownlow medallist tallied 37 disposals against Port Adelaide in round 13, 2019.

Before Saturday night, Fyfe hadn't even cracked the 30-possession barrier since 2021, but his form this year is growing by the week and has been a huge shining light for Fremantle.

Fyfe entered the 2024 campaign off the back of four injury-plagued seasons, but he is finally fit and reaping the rewards of an extended run without setbacks.

"We've seen snippets of it and quarters of it," Longmuir said of Fyfe's hot form this year.

"We probably haven't seen a sustained game like what he produced against the Bulldogs from him since he got back. 

"But his body of work since day one of pre-season has been phenomenal, and I've spoken a lot about that work and how it set him up for the season.

"His ability to bring his teammates into the game and make his possessions contribute to us hitting the scoreboard was really, really good.

"It's good to see him get reward for all the persistence and all the effort.

"He just wants to be a part of a successful team. And he's doing everything he can to be able to help build a successful team."

Fyfe has become a clearance beast for Fremantle this year, but even his efforts have paled into comparison to what Caleb Serong is producing.

Serong set a club record for most possessions when he racked up 46 disposals against Brisbane in round one.

And the 23-year-old set another one, this time for clearances, against the Bulldogs on Saturday when he tallied a whopping 17 from his 37 disposals.

"It's just a normal game for Caleb tonight," Longmuir joked. 

"It's a phenomenal effort to get 17 clearances and even more so against that midfield ... that's outstanding and exceptional.

"I'm not sure where it sits in the AFL. I haven't seen that number too often, but he's a pro. 

"He continues to work on all aspects of his game. His ground ball is up there with the best in the comp.

"He trusts himself because of all the work he's done, and I'm just really proud of him as a person. 

"You see him go to work every day and the example he sets for his teammates as a young player and young leader is great."

Fremantle lost defender Josh Draper to a hamstring injury, but are a strong chance to regain forward Jye Amiss (concussion) for next week's clash with Richmond at the MCG.

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