Fremantle star Nat Fyfe's incredible start to the season is a result of his preparation rather than just his pure talent, according to teammate Matt de Boer.
Fyfe, the reigning AFL Players' Association MVP and current Brownlow Medal favourite, put in another stellar performance against the Sydney Swans on Saturday night to help his side to a 14-point win, Freo's fourth straight this season.
Fyfe is currently leading the AFL Coaches' Association player of the year award with 23 out of a possible 30 votes and should poll well again after collecting 27 touches, 16 contested, having eight clearances, taking five marks, and kicking a key goal in the second term.
Fyfe fires again
De Boer said the Freo Dockers were lucky to have a player of Fyfe's quality.
"He's absolutely phenomenal," de Boer told AFL.com.au.
"It's just reward for effort. He works so hard during the week.
"People see what he comes out and dishes up game day and think he's talented but knowing him personally and what goes into it, his mental prep and his physical prep, it's second to none.
"We are very lucky to have him."
De Boer had a good night himself after a strange start to the year. He gathered 13 disposals, took four marks and laid six tackles, the most of any Freo player on the night.
He started the first two rounds as the substitute for Fremantle and then was subbed out of the win over West Coast after three quarters.
De Boer said he understood his place in the side and was doing everything possibly to keep his spot in the team.
"It's obviously an elite team," de Boer said.
"I'll do everything I can to try and stay in it. We're building something special.
"We've all got to try and bring something, whether it's a soldier or an artist, and I just try and bring what I can bring."
Fyfe a 'phenomenon': de Boer
Fremantle star Nat Fyfe's incredible start to the season is a result of his preparation rather than just his pure talent