Nat Fyfe believes that Fremantle’s spine has the potential to have a big impact in the AFL in season 2020 and beyond.

A number of Fremantle’s key players were sidelined for lengthy periods due to injury in 2019 and the Fremantle captain was excited about what a fit and available group can achieve.

Fyfe added that the age of the club’s playing list was crucial.

At 27, Fyfe is currently Fremantle’s fifth oldest player and he highlighted a number of teammates who are yet to reach their prime footballing age.

“I think our spine is in great shape and our age demographic is in the slot,” Fyfe said.

“If you look at Jesse Hogan, Matt Taberner, Rory Lobb, Alex Pearce, Joel Hamling and Sean Darcy as our ruck – that is a really solid group that sets up the skeleton of our team.

“If we can keep those players fit and available on the field for 22 games next year, we should be a pretty good footy side.” 

Fyfe said that he had faith that the board will find the best people to lead the club into this future, with Fremantle looking to appoint a new senior coach and CEO this off-season.

“I’m really aligned with (president) Dale Alcock and the board and their vision,” Fyfe said.

“I think it’s optimistic, it’s positive, it’s everything it needs to be and as players and as the captain, we’ll do everything we can to get in behind that vision.”

Fyfe said he was confident in tasting success during his time at Fremantle.

“Twenty-four hours after finishing season 2019 and not having a CEO or senior coach, it’s pretty hard to predict when I think we’ll be winning a grand final,” Fyfe said.

“Optimistically, I’ll say next year but without all of the cards on the table, it’s hard even to have an estimate.

“I think we’re a better footy team this year than we were 12 months ago, that’s undeniable.

“If we can get our key people on field for longer periods of time, we’ll take a step forward again next year, regardless of who’s driving the bus at senior coach level.”