Hot shot Fyfe primed to boost Freo’s firepower
THE AFL’s best defenders can consider themselves warned – Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe plans to spend more time up forward next season as Fremantle search for the extra goals needed to secure that elusive first AFL flag.
Despite claiming their maiden minor premiership this year, the Dockers were outscored by 10 other clubs during the home and away season and could only manage 10 goals in each of their two finals. With all-time leading goalkicker Matthew Pavlich expected to announce his retirement, Fremantle’s need for more scoring punch is greater than ever.
That’s where the 190cmFyfe comes in, once he recovers from impending surgery to repair the broken leg suffered in the preliminary final loss to Hawthorn.
“From here I think it’s all about diversification,” the 24year-old Fyfe said yesterday as the reality of becoming the Dockers’ first Brownlow medallist began to sink in.
“Clearly the No.1 issue I’ve got is my body, being able to get through a whole season unscathed and uninjured – so I will have to build some more tools into my body.
“The reality is I’m going to have to play more as a forward and kick more goals.
“We’ve got a midfield that is developed and has got plenty of firepower now so that will be a big focus of mine next year.”
Fyfe spent much of his junior career in attack and has always loved kicking goals, averaging just under one per game in his career to date.
“With the marking ability as sort of a goal now it’s only natural that I go forward and spend time there,” he said.
“With the game developing to 90 rotations and no sub rule there is going to be more emphasis on players spending more time on the ground – rather than resting on the pine, guys are going to be resting forward.
“I think that’s something I can exploit.”
Fyfe will have his broken leg operated on this week, which will allow him time to recuperate before the start of the preseason campaign.
Dockers coach Ross Lyon admitted on Monday night he was uncomfortable that Fyfe had played on with the leg fracture suffered midway through the preliminary final against the Hawks. Fyfe rose above the pain to again be one of Fremantle’s best players in the 27-point loss. It was a remarkable act of will power.