Nat Fyfe’s versatility could allow Fremantle more flexibility in their forward setup, according to Senior Coach Justin Longmuir.
Fremantle are yet to settle on how their forward structure will look, with the addition of Luke Jackson in the off-season and the likes of Fyfe, Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy set to have more game time after all three struggled with injury in 2022.
Longmuir said Fremantle would have three tall forwards in their ideal forward mix. One is likely to be Matt Taberner and another a rotation between rucks Sean Darcy and Jackson.
Amiss and Treacy appear to be in a battle for the third tall spot, with Fyfe a wildcard with his ability to play his own role while standing at 190cm.
Fyfe was arguably Freo’s most impressive forward in Friday’s match sim against Adelaide, kicking three goals.
“We usually play as a mix with three talls and four smalls,” Longmuir said.
“The more ‘Fyfey’ develops his forward craft, the more he’s going to become a hybrid between those two for us.
“We need to make sure we find a balance between being able to score and being able to lock the ball in.”
A no.8 selection in 2021, Longmuir said Fremantle had measured expectations of Amiss in 2023.
Amiss arrived with tremendous potential, however Longmuir said the Club wouldn’t put too much pressure on the 19-year-old.
“He a 19-year-old trying to play as a key forward, it’s going to take a little bit of time,” Longmuir said.
“I’m really happy with his development, and the more opportunities he gets the better he’ll be.
“He’s got to get fitter, get stronger and keep doing what he’s been doing over the pre-season.
“It’s not so much a long-term project, but it takes time with young key forwards, especially when they’re playing on quality mature defenders.
“We need a little bit of patience with him, but on the flipside we’re happy with his development and he showed last year he can have an impact for us.”
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Gallery: Main Training 27 February