Fremantle’s Michael Walters believes skipper Nat Fyfe led from the front despite a disappointing 31-point loss to Hawthorn at University of Tasmania Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Fyfe was arguably Freo’s best for the match, finishing with three goals, 24 disposals (with a game-high 16 contested), six marks, five clearances and an equal game-high eight tackles.

The Fremantle skipper left the ground early in the second quarter with an apparent shoulder concern but returned minutes later to kick three goals in the term and set up another in a dominant display.

Walters said Fyfe puts in a consistent performance each week and worked hard to try and bring his team back into the game against the Hawks.

“His impact is massive, but Fyfey does it week in and week out,” Walters said.

“He is our general in there, both him and Dave Mundy, and we want them to really compete and fight for that footy and to get it out to guys like us on the end of it.

“He was extremely good in that second quarter.”

Walters believes the team benefits from Fyfe’s presence in both the middle and up forward but knows everyone must step up to support.

“He’s a dangerous midfielder but when he goes forward, he’s almost that strong key forward type player,” Walters said.

“Fyfey is definitely dangerous when we put him forward, but we need someone to fill his void in the midfield.

“He can’t play in two positions at once, but he’s so dangerous for us.”

Walters picked up 25 disposals (14 contested), four marks and seven clearances against the Hawks.

“Touches are irrelevant for me and I just want to go out and play my role,” Walters said.

“We need our leaders to stand up and I feel like we are doing it in patches.

“At times it is going to be hard because we do have a young group, but I just want to try and lead from the front.”