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Doig Medal winner Nat Fyfe feels he’s ‘cracked the code’ in how to consistently deliver his best football.
It’s an exciting prospect after the Fremantle captain delivered a career-best season, winning his second Brownlow Medal along with his third Fremantle best and fairest win – announced on Saturday night at the Crown Perth Grand Ballroom.
To Fyfe, it’s not just about what he can deliver on the football field during the winter months.
“Playing 20 games is the best I’ve managed in the past couple of years. I feel like I’ve cracked the code on performance and preparation is key,” Fyfe said
“Off-season is key to be able to get through 20 games and play at a really high and consistent level that I know I have in me.
“Since I broke my leg in 2016, it’s been a gradual climb to this point so it’s nice to be back.”
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Fyfe said that he was excited to get to work with new Fremantle senior coach Justin Longmuir.
‘I had a cup of tea with ‘JL’ earlier in the week and we’re starting to get a little bit exited about what next year brings for us,” Fyfe said.
“We have a lot of work ahead. I think we should go away and enjoy the off-season, mentally refresh and recharge as we’re going to be motivated and still kicking later in the year next year, so it’s exciting times ahead.”
Fyfe said Fremantle will work on gradually developing under Longmuir’s leadership.
“Initial stages, you can’t change too much, we’ve got a good platform on team defence in preparation through Ross Lyon,” Fyfe said.
“I think JL will bring in a fresh set of eyes, he might release players in some new roles and maybe tweak our ball movement but in the first couple of months it will be baby steps.”
Fyfe gave an emotional thank you in his speech and he elaborated on his father’s influence, both as a person and a footballer.
“(My Dad’s) been a really important figure in my life,” Fyfe said.
“He’s a stoic human, I try and model myself on him somewhat.
“When I think about the places that we’ve been to, the phones calls late at night after bad losses, after getting injures, after getting suspended…he’s the first person I pick up the phone and call and he’s going to be there for the next couple years for me.
“He’s a pretty important person in my life.”