In what was arguably his best performance of the season, Nat Fyfe helped Fremantle break a five-game losing streak in Sunday’s four-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The Fremantle captain tied his season high disposal count with 33 against the Kangaroos, showing his strength with 19 contested possessions and 12 clearances while kicking a crucial goal to open the final term.

The 2015 Brownlow Medallist missed the bulk of the 2016 season through injury, admitting that it’s taking time to build back towards his best football after spending almost a year out of the game.

“I’m starting to find a little bit of touch,” Fyfe said.

“It’s taken a bit longer than I would have liked and if I’m honest it’s going to take the rest of the year, and maybe into next year, to get back there.

“I feel I’m starting to string together games quite well.”

Fyfe racked up the bulk of his possessions in the opening half, with 23 touches and seven clearances as Freo held a 19-point lead at the main break.

North Melbourne responded by tagging Fyfe in the third with Sam Gibson, restricting Fyfe to three touches for the term.

In the final quarter, Fyfe moved forward where he took two marks inside 50 and kicked 1.1.

Fyfe admitted that he enjoyed the task of countering Gibson’s tag and added that Fremantle’s midfield is coming together as a young core continues to develop.

19-year-old ruckman Sean Darcy picked up a game-high 34 hitouts against 2015 All Australian ruckman Todd Goldstein’s 32, while 21-year-olds Connor Blakely and Lachie Weller continued to impress.

“The tag is something I haven’t had to work through for a while, so it was nice to get that challenge,” Fyfe said.

“I’m starting to work well with Sean Darcy, Connor Blakely, Lachie Neale as well as the Hill brothers and Lachie Weller going through on the wing - so we’re starting to get some continuity as a midfield group which is allowing everyone to play to their strengths.”

Fremantle’s midfield held their own despite the late withdrawal of David Mundy with illness, while fellow leadership group member Lee Spurr was withdrawn from the squad on Friday with a calf injury.

Young defender Ryan Nyhuis came into the side as the emergency, where he played a defensive forward role and kicked four goals – including the match-winner.

“I think with the way the game is trending you need total football players that can play in any position,” Fyfe said.

“Losing David and Lee from a playing stability position as well as a leadership position was a big whack." 

“I think it’s a credit to our coaching setup and the way our mindsets are, that anyone is replaceable in our team and anyone from the 43 on our list can come in to play a role.

“It was good that they could come in and do that today.

“Ryan (Nyhuis) is a testament to hard work and a willingness to learn and improve and we were all really excited to get him into the team.

“He’s such a popular guy and well liked who does a role that he’s asked of, so he got due reward today while kicking four goals - it’s a great story for him and his family.”