Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe says the playing group is determined to move on quickly in the wake of the departure of senior coach Ross Lyon and CEO Steve Rosich.
Fyfe said the playing group’s focus wasn’t just on Sunday’s clash against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, but on coming together to build for the 2020 season.
While Fyfe spoke highly of Lyon in Thursday’s interview with Seven News, he added that he was eager to see the club move forward under a new coach.
“No individual is more important or bigger than the Fremantle Football Club and as a club we want to be a part of the first premiership…we all need to do what we can to move closer towards that,” Fyfe told Seven News’ Adrian Barich.
“The comments that have been used multiple times is that (the decision) was made for clear air and a new direction.
“Both Steve Rosich and Ross Lyon have been incredible for what they’ve done for the footy club over 11 and eight years respectively and they should be celebrated for that.
“But the board has their reasons for making these big calls and as the captain and as players, it’s on us to trust that decision and focus on what we can control. This starts this weekend against Port Adelaide.”
Fyfe said he didn’t have an issue with the decision being made ahead of the final game of the home and away season.
He highlighted that it was good for the playing group to have a game to focus on, with assistant coach David Hale stepping in as senior coach for the clash.
“I understand the reasons for making a decision when (the board) did, but there’s never a good time or a right time,” Fyfe said.
“Pretty quickly we had to focus on what we can control as players. To the playing group, that is preparing as well as we can for Sunday.
“It’s rallying behind David Hale and our other coaches and it’s a call to arms for leaders across our club, both in administration, coaching, sport science, medical – everyone in their respective positions to grab the people in their area and really move forward.”
Fyfe said he understood that the Fremantle fan base would have varying opinions on the club’s coaching future but trusted that no matter what, the team would always have their support.
“I don’t think I need to tell the fans what to do, they’ve got their own opinions,” Fyfe said.
“There are some that are disappointed, some that are optimistic and excited.
“I think they’re a very loyal group of fans and they’re keen to see the footy club do well, so I’m sure they’ll get behind us.”
