CEO Steve Rosich has said that there is no imminent rush to sign Nat Fyfe to a new long-term deal, with the 25-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the 2017 season.
Rosich told 6PR’s Sportsworld program on Saturday that the club has been in constant communication with the 2015 Brownlow Medallist about his future.
“It’s a big story because (Fyfe’s) a great player and that’s no surprise, but those conversations and meetings are regular,” Rosich said.
“I caught up with Nathan and his manager a week or so ago for breakfast, and those sort of things are ongoing. We’ll work through it and get it done at the right time.”
“There’s no timeframe we need to work to, we’ll just lock it away as and when we can.”
Fyfe’s contract status is set to remain a hot topic for the 2017 season, but Rosich said the main focus for the club is to perform well on the field, and credited Fyfe for playing his part.
“He’s totally committed to the cause. He’s working incredibly hard and looking terrific on the track,” Rosich said.
“He’s keen as mustard. He’s here not only to perform at his best level, but to help the team perform at their best level, and make sure the Fremantle Dockers are as good of a football team as we can be.
“I feel really comfortable with where Nathan is at.”
Rosich said he also empathised with senior coach Ross Lyon, who has recently thrown support behind injured midfielder Harley Bennel.
Due to multiple calf injuries, Bennell is yet to play a game for Fremantle since his arrival at the end of the 2015 season.
“I think Ross has just shown some frustration for repeated questioning and reporting by some about Harley,” Rosich said.
“He’s defending his player who he’s seen working perfectly hard, in fact as hard as anyone on and off the track to make sure he can make the most of this season.
“And (Bennell’s) on track, as Ross said the day before, to play in the early rounds, and he’s on a really measured and considered program to get back.”
“He’s going to be a talent for us for a long time, so our job is to give him the best chance to get playing as and when he can - which will be in the early rounds of 2017.
“I think it’s just a coach supporting his player and getting fed up with external comments, which are just not on the money.”
