In the wake of Fremantle’s heavy loss to Geelong on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium, Nat Fyfe said he felt fan criticism for the team’s effort was warranted and that he wouldn’t want anything less from the Freo faithful.
The Fremantle star said that he and the playing group took a personal responsibility for the club’s record loss, and as captain on the day, it would be a ‘burden’ he will have to carry.
“I understand the passion of our members and fans,” Fyfe said.
“What I’d say is, as difficult as (the criticism) is to endure and hear, you’d much rather, as a player, have our members and fans be passionate and have their opinion than not saying anything at all.
“It’s a difficult time at our club and they’re having their opinions on that and I’m sure they’ll be there supporting us when the good times come ahead.”
Fyfe said he was confident that the club remained on track as it develops a youthful list.
“I’ve played down in Geelong and beaten Geelong a couple of times down there when I was playing my best footy and our team was at the top of its game,” Fyfe said.
“So to go down there and lose in those circumstances, having been through what I have with the Fremantle Dockers, I can honestly say that I look around and see the building blocks of a quality team.
“It doesn’t take much for it to turn. We have no interest in waiting years for these players to develop.
“We’re on a fast tracking process and I want to be back playing finals as quick as I can, as I have no interest in taking holidays in September.”
Fyfe said the team was looking to regroup and focus on finishing the season strongly against Collingwood this Saturday at Optus Stadium.
“It was a very difficult challenge going over there with a young side in trying conditions but we won’t hide behind that as an excuse,” Fyfe said.
“Our players are hurting as a result but all we can do is to commit to action and prepare as well as we can against Collingwood.
“At the moment we’re doing as much as we can to help us move forward and that’s starts with this weekend’s game.”
