By Justin Chadwick
Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe has played a final with a broken leg before and acknowledges he’ll need to put in another big effort when he makes his long-awaited September return next week.
Fyfe has been plagued by injuries this year, with shoulder and back surgery derailing him early before a recent hamstring strain put another spanner in the works.
By the time Fyfe lines up against the Western Bulldogs in next Saturday’s elimination final at Optus Stadium, the two-time Brownlow medallist would have played just once in the past six weeks.
Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe.Credit:Getty Images
But one thing playing in Fyfe’s favour is his history of starring through finals adversity.
In the 2015 preliminary-final loss to Hawthorn, Fyfe fractured his fibia early in the game before bravely battling on to tally 24 disposals and nine clearances in a dazzling display.
This time it’s a lack of match fitness that Fyfe will need to overcome, and he’s going to do everything within his powers to perform well.
“Ideally I would have had a bigger lead-in to a finals series, my first finals series in six years,” Fyfe said.
“But I got one game in (against GWS last week), I’ll train on Saturday, and try to get as many minutes of that high intensity forward craft as I can and hopefully that’s enough.
“It’s good to be back in finals. It’s been a long time coming. The last final I played my body was a bit hampered and this one I’m going to have a few other challenges.
“But we’ve got a chance, we’re alive in September. It’s a good feeling.”
Fyfe was at the peak of his powers when Fremantle last graced the finals stage in 2015.
The 209-game veteran, who will turn 32 later this month, has been more of a bit-time player in the side this year while he battled his way back from injury.
He’s not the only one who has taken somewhat of a back seat to allow Fremantle’s impressive youngsters to evolve.
“David Mundy, Michael Walters – we all have slightly different roles to when we last stepped out (in finals),” Fyfe said.
“This time the last six years it was Mad Monday for us. To be playing September footy – it’s why we play.
“I’ve played 200-odd games and the only games I really want to play now are big finals for our footy club.”
Freo are back in the finals.Credit:AFL Photos
Forward Rory Lobb is expected to return against the Bulldogs from a shoulder injury, but doubts remain over Griffin Logue (adductor) and Matt Taberner (calf).
It means there will be an even greater importance on Fyfe to hold down a key attacking post.
AAP
