Nat Fyfe has reflected on his fondest David Mundy moments, with the two-time Brownlow Medallist crediting Mundy’s leadership in the midfield on his own development.
In a Q&A with Fremantle members, Fyfe fielded a number of questions about the 37-year-old, who will retire at the end of the season as Freo’s games record holder.
Fyfe said Mundy’s beaten up ute shaped his first impressions when he arrived at the Club in 2009.
“I look back to when I first came in and I saw this smooth moving and unassuming superstar,” Fyfe said.
“He used to drive this old ute which was probably worth $800. He’d drive it in while being one of the best midfielders in the AFL and I found that juxtaposition just fascinating.
“This guy was just super humble and quiet about the way he did it and stepped out on the field and wore a cape.”
Fyfe credited Mundy for helping drive Fremantle to the Grand Final in 2013 and the Minor Premiership in 2015.
“I loved that 2013 to 2015 David Mundy with long hair just thrashing around in the midfield and role modelling how to go about it as a bigger bodied mid,” Fyfe said.
“I learnt so much of my craft off Dave by working and playing alongside him. The 2013 finals series, Dave was just a force through that period.
“I’ve played 208 games and I think 190-odd with David Mundy. He’s helped make me the player I am.”
When asked if he could see Mundy going into a coaching role following his playing career, Fyfe said Mundy wouldn’t just be restricted to that area.
“Even management, GM of footy and CEO, I could see that down the path,” Fyfe said.
“We’d love to have him around the environment we’ve got, we have (ruck coach) Aaron Sandilands here and we love having those champions of our club still here and involved.
“Maybe Dave has got some other things he wants to go on and explore before coming back into footy land, because it is all consuming. I certainly think his legacy gives him a platform to do whatever he wants in this game.”
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