Freo fly in Fyfe's 150th
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All class from Brayshaw
Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe feels a forced week off due to suspension may have only helped his younger teammates realise their potential in the wake of Freo’s 57-point win against Carlton at Etihad Stadium.
Missing the dominant duo of Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands, a youthful Freo outfit were forced to fend for themselves last week in a thrilling win against Adelaide.
Fyfe feels the experience only benefited the team on Saturday, with the whole group stronger following his and Sandilands’ return.
“Last week against Adelaide shattered a bit of a glass ceiling with Aaron and I not playing,” Fyfe told Fox Footy.
“They’ve just taken that to a new level this week. We’ve seen the likes of Adam Cerra, Andrew Brayshaw, Brennan Cox and Bailey Banfield really develop themselves into genuine AFL players.”
With Fremantle holding a 70-point lead at half-time, senior coach Ross Lyon again gave Freo’s younger players a chance in the middle with Fyfe spending more time forward.
Andrew Brayshaw was one player who took another step up with a career-best 20 disposals, while also taking five marks, laying five tackles and kicking a goal.
Speedy midfield prospect Stefan Giro also showed his growth in just his third AFL game, with 17 touches and five tackles.
While the likes of Fyfe, Lachie Neale and David Mundy starred in Freo’s opening half, Fyfe said it’s important that Freo can deliver no matter who is available.
“It’s crucial that we start developing these guys,” Fyfe said.
“We never want to be a team that relies on a couple. We’re starting to see that we’re getting midfield depth and that takes off the pressure on the likes of Neale, Stephen Hill, David and myself.”
Fyfe said it was an honour to reach 150 games and qualify for life membership.
“I think I’m the 20th player to make the 150 mark,” Fyfe said.
“It’s a small group and some of these stars will join me in the years to come. I’ll really treasure it.”
Fremantle head into the bye with six wins and seven losses and just four points and percentage out of the top eight.
While Fremantle’s effort made a statement of their finals potential, Fyfe kept a lid on any expectations.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves. I think we’ll enjoy the week off first,” he said.
