Fremantle champion Nat Fyfe has stood down as the club’s captain after six seasons in the role, saying it was a tough call but would make the club stronger.
He told his teammates of his decision on Tuesday. Fyfe, a two-time Brownlow Medallist began in the role in 2017.
“The decision was tough. It has been something I’ve known for the last three or four weeks,” Fyfe said.
“Last year was a challenging year for me individually, but a great year for the club and it started to pave the way for a transition.
“Intuitively, I knew that it was an exciting opportunity for the club for me to step aside and let someone else come through.
“It took a while for the emotions and my mind to line up with my intuition, it feels like I was letting go of a dream in some ways, but once I connected with that feeling, it opens up the possibility for so much more.
“I’m optimistic about what this transition can do for the club.”
Fyfe said he would continue to help teammates where needed, just outside of an official leadership role.
“By stepping away completely from the leadership group that allows me to focus all my energy on helping our other forwards and learning my craft again,” Fyfe said.
“It also allows someone else to step into the leadership group potentially and give us that fresh push of leadership which will propel us forward.”
Fremantle GM of Football Peter Bell said: “On behalf of the Fremantle Football Club I would like to thank Nathan for his vitally important contribution as captain for the past six seasons.
“Last year we emerged from a significant list rebuild into a return to finals, and as captain through that period, Nathan was a vital stabilising force and leader through that transition.
“Nathan led by example both on and off the field, and the strength we boast as a Club right now from a talent, work ethic and leadership perspective can be attributed to his guidance.
“I understand Nathan’s desire to both stand aside as captain as well as any formal leadership duties so he can best focus on his football, but we know that his influence on the group will continue.”
The club is yet to announce its new captain or leadership group.
Nat Fyfe of the Dockers the celebrates after winning the 2019 Brownlow Medal. (Photo by Kelly Defina/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, star Fremantle midfielder Andrew Brayshaw has labelled prize recruit Luke Jackson his No.1 “most exciting prospect” this pre-season.
Jackson’s move to the Dockers was the big talking point of the trade period, with the former Melbourne ruckman determined to lead Fremantle to a flag.
The 21-year-old’s ability to play in the ruck and up forward will give Fremantle vital flexibility and help fill the void left by the departed Rory Lobb (Bulldogs).
Brayshaw has been blown away by Jackson’s skill at ground level, and cannot wait to see the big man in action during the season.
“There’s a few that have really impressed me but I’m probably most excited for Luke Jackson,” Brayshaw told Perth’s 6PR when asked about the club’s pre-season.
“He’s shown already that he can be a really dominant ruck and forward prospect.
“As a big fella, his ability to almost play as another midfielder once he’s tapped it down (is) really exciting, and he comes out the front of stoppages and takes the game on.
“For a big bloke, he’s got really good skills in tight. He is probably my number one most exciting prospect.”
Brayshaw has also been impressed by Jaeger O’Meara, who was traded from Hawthorn during the off-season.
O’Meara’s arrival will help offset the loss of decorated midfielder David Mundy, who retired at the age of 37.
Fremantle ended their six-year finals drought last season, beating the Bulldogs in a thrilling elimination match before falling to Collingwood by 20 points in the semi-finals.
The Dockers have set themselves the target of winning a flag by 2025, and the player group are hungry to achieve that goal.
“We all got a taste of what (finals) is like, to be right up there, and we all loved it,” Brayshaw said.
“We want to be a top-four side and give ourselves the best chance going into finals.
“We don’t want to be a side that’s just making up the numbers. We want to be right up the top and that’s what drives all the players and all the coaches.”
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Amiss will get over 50. He is that good. Tabs will maintain his 2.5 goals a game of the last half decade. Fyfe will certainly get over 30 but his main function will be assists as he extracts balls from under packs to passing small forwards. His decision making and hands in close are unsurpassed…probably ever. Add that to his body work; he will create so much. You can count on at least one per game from Darcy and Jackson and at least 4 a game from the small forwards. Only 4 sides last year had more than 5 players who kicked over 20 goals each for the season; they were 4 of the top 5 sides. Unless you have Hawkins and Cameron, a wide spread is better.
berrlins
Roar Pro
I never said Lobb was wonderful I literally said he was average, anyway what output do you expect from Taberner, Amiss, Fyfe and Jackson this year? Amiss will be a star but he's still very young you can't expect too much of him this year, Jackson isn't really a known forward at all, and Fyfe is abit of an unknown as he hasn't played forward for years. I can only see one of them getting between 40-50 goals, that being Taberner if he has a good season but I guess if all of them contribute it will make them stronger, what are your expectations? they haven't outscored the Dogs in 8 seasons so they're bound to eventually but I don't think it'll be this season, want to bet on it?
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Dry salt curing nah 1-5 years best to bin that & move on :stoked:
nics
Roar Rookie
The fish and chips are much better in Albany - probably the terroir factor.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
With the way WW was at the end, I was hopeful of another series seems you didnt actually see him die but dohh. Did you ever watch better call Saul, its got great reviews, its not often people like a spin off as much as the original but ive just never got around to it.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
My goodness. Read what I've written 20 times before! Taberner, Amiss, Fyfe Jackson. They barely or didn't play. You say Lobb was wonderful kicking 13 from 12 games. Last season Tabs kicked 27 from 12 games, 3 of which he went off injured. The small forwards kicked over 150 goals. Freo will outscore the Dogs this season...and will outscore most sides. The real question is how can you limit such a widespread attack especially with those 4 additions. Add to that a trimmed fast 20yo Treacy, Corbett and Enmmett if one or 2 injuries strike. I wonder if you will not read this and ask me again on the next article.
berrlins
Roar Pro
Don I have no resentment to Freo, I question them like I question every team as many fans do, just like you question (or just make statements) my team, of course I have a lack of knowledge about Freo, most non Freo supporters do, just like you sometimes demonstrate a lack of knowledge about other teams as well. just because I disagree with you on your team doesn't mean I'm bitter, I wish Freo well, you just like to pick fights and I'm not really sure why. The Dismissal in the finals was hard but I had a feeling at half time it was over in Freo's favour they deserved it, they had a better year. As for Lobb, every Freo fan has let their feelings be known about Lobb, it's no surprise. Did we sell the Farm to get a dud? we paid overs for sure, should have been one second round pick but anyway he was contracted so Freo had the power, it's not the farm it's just too much, and is he actually a dud? Well he scored the most goals for Freo last year, scored the third most in 2021 despite only playing 13 games and has sat in Freo's top 5 for goals every year since going there. He's not a champion full forward, he's just average, which is all the Dogs need him to be, he'll slot in, kick his thirty goals and pinch hit in the ruck, if Hagan kicks 30- 40 and Naughton kicks 60+ that's all we need Lobb to do. As for Freos forwards who didn't play last year but could this year we have: Sam Sturt who has played 4 games for 5 goals Jye Amiss who played 3 games for 4 goals last year (he looked good i that prelim but a long way to go until he dominates) Josh Treacy who has played 4 matches for exactly 1 goal Josh Corbett from the suns 36 games for 33 goals there's alot of potential there but too young to set the house on fire yet. you also have Taberner who only played 13 games and has never played a full season or kicked over 40 goals (he has managed a 2 goal average just once in his career ) and Switkowski who as a small forward has averaged less than a goal a game since entering the comp. So you can understand why I would question Freo's forward line as what they have coming in is either very young, prone to injury and just ok or average, Nat Fyfe could change that completely but I doubt it. If you have a decent reply I'll gladly read it, if you want to continue to have a go with me I'm done with you.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Man l love Breaking Bad such a brilliant series!
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I love the passion but dam, you'd think they've been the most successful team in the last 26years.lol.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Don is a passionate people person!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
There is no issue. I've explained that.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Don, So there is the Richmond five and the Dodgie Doggie three and I bet there is a secret seven Cat supporters who question the Dockers goal scoring ability both last and this year. But I am sure the club recognizes the issue and plans will be put in place.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Ouch.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I'm starting to think theres abit of Walter White in Don.. He goes off into no mans land in his caravan/RV, spends a few days out there, camping/cooking and then comes back with all these outrageous theory's on Fremantle's success and dodgy statistics. You'd have to be cooking up or smoking something pretty dam strong for this i reckon.lol.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
170 goals, 138 behinds. Maybe my math isn't as good as it use to be but that seems abit under 70%.lol.
Mark
Roar Rookie
Letting go of a dream of ever winning a Premiership.....and so should Freo!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
So you finally understand. My goodness...it took a while. Glad to help.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
How many more?
Maurice
Guest
Your comments do nothing but amuse me on the days that are dragging at work I commend your passion for the purple. You are that special supporter every team has. Keep up the good work until next time I am bored again. Thx