Star Fremantle midfielder Nat Fyfe has set his sights on becoming a long-term captain at the club after re-signing for a further six years.
Fyfe ended months of free agency speculation on Monday by re-signing with Fremantle until the end of 2023.
The 25-year-old is in his first year as captain at Fremantle, where each season, the playing group votes on who they want to be captain.
Matthew Pavlich was skipper for nine consecutive seasons under that format.
But David Mundy lasted only one year in the role before being ousted for Fyfe at the start of this year.
Fyfe continues to grow as a leader, and he said he was keen to retain the captaincy beyond this season.
“At the end of the day the players will vote,” Fyfe said.
“But I’ve really enjoyed the role as captain. And I’ve got a lot of improvement left in me.
“If the players want me to captain, I’m happy to captain.”
Fyfe not only wants to be a captain, he wants to become a premiership skipper.
The Dockers are in the initial stages of a rebuild, and the early signs have been good.
Ruckman Sean Darcy, swingman Brennan Cox, defender Griffin Logue, midfielder Connor Blakely, and defender Lachie Weller have been among a raft of young players who have burst through the ranks over the past 18 months.
Fremantle have surpassed most people’s expectations by recording a 7-9 win-loss record so far this season, and Fyfe is confident premiership success will come at some point in the next six years.
Fyfe took a while to get going this season as he adjusted to life back in the AFL following two breaks of his left leg.
A sternum injury also hindered his performance.
But Fyfe has regained his golden touch over the past fortnight, tallying 33 disposals and a goal against North Melbourne, before racking up 30 disposals in Sunday’s derby loss to West Coast.
“I’m definitely building,” Fyfe said ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Hawthorn in Perth.
“It took me a while to really come to terms with my body and feel my way around traffic and things like that.
“As far as how much more improvement I’ve got, it’s unknown. But I’m happy to be able to string some good games together.”
Fyfe’s face was scratched and bruised following the derby loss.
“I was a little flat with that. But I suppose that’s my role – to be in the coalface,” Fyfe said with a wry smile, before adding: “The modelling career is about done I would have thought.”
Earl
Guest
Stop seeking attention with your cyber friends
Don Freo
Guest
Not like them at all. He knows Ross' value to himself.
Cat
Roar Guru
Like all the other players Ross has taken to premiership success ... right ...
Don Freo
Guest
That's because he knows that Ross Lyon can improve him and enhance his premiership chances.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Even as a wce fan i have to give kudos to that one, well done anon.
johno
Guest
He's already got the 2019 Premiership captain / brownlow medallist / norm smith medallist memorabilia in production.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
A show of genuine commitment, signing for 6 years and knowing full well he will never be a member of a premiership winning team as a result. A true Freo legend , would bring a tear to Pavs eye.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Brilliant. Honestly brilliant.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
The name and profile picture of 'WCE' say it all, really!
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I just bought a t-shirt with his number on it and am willing to wear it in public. That's how awesome Fyfe is. https://teamstore.fremantlefc.com.au/nat-fyfe/mens-purple-number-7-tee Couldn't help myself boys. I'll be wearing this also in my walk of shame.
FreoFan
Roar Rookie
Soft is definitely not a word that describes Fyfe.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
He played through the 2015 prelim on a broken leg. And he's won the highest individual accolade in the game. But nah, he's "soft" and a "not a champion".
anon
Roar Pro
Don't be jealous that Fremantle retained their Brownlow Medal winning captain. West Coast had two Brownlow Medal winning captains and lost them both in the space of a couple of years.
WCE
Roar Rookie
Fyfe is as soft as hot butter yet he's announced as a champion on a lot of occasions. Too weak and mild in my opinion to be classed a champion