Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe has emphatically declared season 2019 as the resurgence of the power midfielder.
The 2015 Brownlow Medallist foreshadowed the introduction of new centre bounce rules resulting in “contested beasts” dictating the game.
Appearing via live stream from Optus Stadium, Fyfe spoke to Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Tuesday, freshly minted as the best player in the game, according to host Mark Robinson’s Top 50 in the AFL.
“We’ve been, obviously, trialling through the preseason the new rules, the players starting in the goal square,” Fyfe said.
“And what we’re seeing is a more pure 4v4 midfield battle, which plays to my strengths, running out the front of the square and having long penetrating entries or shots on goal.”
Fyfe predicted that the rule changes, which require players to line up in their designated forward, midfield or defender zones would also allow big-bodied midfielders to do more damage on the scoreboard.
“When you rest, you can rest out of the cage and try and make that a pure one on one battle.
“I think the rule changes will suit players like me, Dangerfield, Martin and Patty Cripps.
“The more contested beasts.”
When quizzed about the contentious new 50m penalty protected zone rule, which saw several double-50m penalties awarded throughout the JLT Community Series, the dual All Australian placed the onus on the players to learn the rules.
“I saw the double 50m penalty play out a little bit over the weekend, Jack Riewoldt milked it beautifully, I saw that one,” he said.
“I think players just need to get their head around it.
“The rules are there for a reason to try and make the game flow a little better and make it better to watch. I think the players just need to get their head around that one.”
However, the Dockers captain believes that the new restrictions around runners could handicap sides like his on game-day.
“The runner rule, I saw Luke Hodge’s comments around it disadvantaging younger teams or teams down the bottom of the ladder, I tend to agree with that somewhat.
“But again, probably need a larger sample size before making a genuine opinion on it.”
Asked for his number one player in the game, Fyfe recognised a number of fellow Brownlow Medallists.
“I think you can’t really go past Danger, Buddy, Dusty and maybe Patty Cripps and Alex Rance in the top five or six.
“But I’m not going to be so silly as to name my number one Robbo (host Mark Robinson), leave that to you.”
Fat Toad
Roar Rookie
I am inclined to think that the players that will become the most influential are the elite runners like Scully and Sidebottom who can compete and beat their opponent to the next contest 80 meters away. Players that currently rely on strength in packs may find that the ball being cleared faster evens out some of their current strategic advantages. I expect that I will have a better feel for this after this weekend.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
He also listed himself as one of the players Dal. Good on him but don't sugar coat it. "“I think the rule changes will suit players like me, Dangerfield, Martin and Patty Cripps."
IAP
Guest
Leigh Matthews was 5 foot 10 but weighed in at 86 kegs. Michael Voss weighed in at 88 kegs, so did Greg Williams. Ted Whitten weighed 89 kegs. Nathan Fyfe weighs 88 kegs. Dustin Martin weighs 86 kegs. The so-called "midfield beast" is media bollocks; they've always been the same weight, some of them are just a little bit taller nowadays.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Resurgence? When did the big-bodied mid phase out of the game? I'm pretty sure they've been the most dominant kind of player this decade.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yep, Macca was right. I'm simply saying I love players that walk the walk after talking the talk.
anon
Roar Pro
Figjam Fyfe, eh? Let's see if he can stay on the park for more than 12 games first.
Macca
Roar Rookie
I took it as Pete praising his self awareness. It is bloody hard to argue that Fyfe at the feet of Sandilands won't benefit from the 6-6-6 set up, just as the players he lists will.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
He did say "more the contested beasts" and listed several players. Although I could be mis-reading what you're saying and you really mean he "anoints himself" via his actions. Like setting an unprecedented contested rate in 2015 and pretty much continually sitting in the upper echelons of contested percentage the past 4 or 5 years.
danno
Guest
Glad his a humble player.
Larrikin
Roar Rookie
Super star? Really? What has this guy done for such a high rating? Zero. Out of 10 i rate mr hair player a one
WCE
Roar Rookie
His head is already swollen with a massive ego, if he reads this story he'll never fit through the door
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Elliot Yeo fits that category,methinks
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Got to love a player who annoints himself as a contested beast.