Leadership is reflected in the behaviour of your followers, according to Fremantle Dockers senior coach Ross Lyon.
Lyon was reflecting on how Freo’s leaders have stood up, despite an undesired 0-4 start to the season.
Lyon said acting captain Nat Fyfe has grown in the absence of David Mundy and continued to display his leadership capabilities against North Melbourne.
Mundy ruled out of Carlton clash
“The fact that the players dug in, and Nathan dug in was a reflection of his leadership,” Lyon said.
“Clearly he’s growing, he’s passionate, he cares, and like me, he wants Fremantle and the team to be successful.”
Lyon said being a leader wasn’t merely reserved for whoever has the title of “captain”, as multiple Freo players both young and experienced displayed leadership in their own way on the weekend.
“He’s (Fyfe) really stepping up, but you need everyone on game day to step up,” he said.
“I thought Lachie Weller showed good leadership with his chasing and tackling to the end.
“Lee Spurr was super, he had a couple skill errors but we’re five goals down and with 30 seconds to go he’s running back with the ball and spoiling it.
“There are some pretty good signs from our leaders.”
Lyon said while the start to the year had put Freo in adverse conditions, strong leadership through the period would help define the club.
“This period will define us in a sense, we’re working through some challenges and it’s how you respond,” he said.
“If you’re a senior player, your legacy is how you inspire young players when things are tough to work through and come out the other side.”
