Justin Longmuir expects Nat Fyfe to be voted in as Fremantle’s captain for another year with the Club set to confirm the 2022 leadership group in the coming months.
A sixth season as skipper would move Fyfe into outright second in the list of the Club’s longest serving AFL captains, behind Matthew Pavlich (nine seasons) and ahead of Peter Bell (five seasons).
Longmuir downplayed any concerns that Fyfe’s current shoulder injury would affect his ability to lead the team, but added that leadership was trait required by all players.
“No one link in our chain is bigger than the other. We can’t rely on ‘Fyfey’, we can’t rely on our (leadership group), everyone needs to lead,” Longmuir said.
“There’s opportunities every day for every person in our football department to lead, we’ve probably relied on too few, too much and that needs to stop and make sure we spread our leadership.
“’Fyfey’ will still be our captain and I’ve got enormous faith in him as a player and a leader. We need others to come along for the ride.”
Longmuir said there was no reason to expect Fyfe to have a dip in form in his 13th season on the back of the shoulder injury.
“I wouldn’t doubt him (or) put too much pressure on him but I know the person, I know how hard he works, how diligent he is,” Longmuir said.
“I just know he’ll get back and play a really important role for us.”
Justin Longmuir extends to 2024!
Availability on the up
JL's 2024 mindset
