How Fyfe enhanced reputation even more during rehab
Fremantle veteran Nat Fyfe hasn’t played finals since 2015, but that drought could be broken this year if the stars align and his injury demons don’t return.
Fremantle defender Brennan Cox says Nat Fyfe’s class while dealing with the fallout from a warm-up injury has been an inspiration for the team.
Fyfe’s durability was put in the spotlight when he injured his calf while warming up as the sub during the half-time break of the club’s round-16 win over St Kilda.
The two-time Brownlow medallist was set to feature in just his fourth AFL match since recovering from a hamstring injury, and the calf setback led some to wonder whether Fyfe, who last played in the finals in 2015, would make it back in time for this year’s premiership push.
The 33-year-old dispelled those fears by producing a stunning 27-disposal display in less than three quarters of WAFL action last week.
The performance was good enough for Fyfe to earn a call up for Saturday night’s clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, most likely as the sub.
“He’s a guy with heaps of wisdom,” Cox said.
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“So to have him come into the group, wherever it may be – up forward, midfield, maybe get eased into the sub role like he did last time – is super.”
Fyfe is 244 games into his decorated career, and injuring his calf during a half-time warm-up would have been hard to cop with finals not far away.
But instead of moping about his bad luck, Fyfe worked diligently on his rehab while also supporting his teammates.
It didn’t go unnoticed.
“He’s been nothing but upbeat,” Cox said.
“He hasn’t for one second looked sad for himself, or anything like that.
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“He’s been super and it makes you look up to him even more, just seeing the way he’s gone about it.”
Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce (shin) has also been named to return for what will be just his second match in the past 10 weeks.
The Dockers (14-6) have won 10 of their past 11 games to put themselves in the frame for a prized top-four berth.
A big part of their good form has been down to their potent forward line, which features spearheads Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Patrick Voss.
The trio kicked three goals apiece last week as Fremantle came from 24 points behind to beat Carlton by 27 points.
“I love seeing them chase down blokes,” Cox said.
“Having them up there with that bit of mongrel and starting fights and stuff – it’s good to watch. And it does lift the boys.”
Port Adelaide (8-12) have endured a disappointing campaign in coach Ken Hinkley’s last season, and former skipper Travis Boak announced this week he will be retiring at the end of the year.
The Power welcome back skipper Connor Rozee, forward Jack Lukosius and goalsneak Willie Rioli.
-with AAP
