There was less than an hour until bounce down at Simonds Stadium on Sunday and you would think there would be some nerves for the Freo players preparing to set foot on Geelong’s fortress.
But not Nat Fyfe.
The Freo superstar was notably relaxed in his pre-game warm-up, even kicking the ball to a security guard.
The reigning AFLPA MVP and back-to-back Doig Medallist said he was really enjoying his football at the moment and was trying to keep as calm as possible.
“I love footy,” Fyfe said.
“And as soon as the enjoyment is taken out of footy, I’ll stop playing.
“I just try and have as much fun and not take it all too seriously.
“I am well and truly across all of our structures and I’m tuned in at the right times, but I try and enjoy my footy just like anyone else because ultimately it’s an entertainment sport and I love playing.
“I don’t ever want to lose that.”
Fyfe was again at his brilliant best against Geelong, amassing 36 touches and kicking three goals in Freo's 44-point win.
Freo dominate Cats
The 23-year-old midfield gun bulked up over the pre-season to around 91kgs, with most of the muscle being put into his legs.
Fyfe said that area of improvement has helped with his strength in breaking away from contests.
“I’ve worked really closely with Jason Weber, our sports science manager, and he’s elite in what he does,” Fyfe said.
“He’s been able to prepare me to a point where I feel really competent in the contested situations.
“It’s been great working with Jason and I’ll look to work with him throughout the year and into next year, as well.”
Fremantle’s midfield was dominant in the game, breaking the game wide open in the third quarter.
Fyfe said he had made it an aim of his to have more of a scoreboard impact in 2015.
Fyfe nominated for GOTY again
“Our midfield looks to try and help the forwards out by kicking a couple of goals and it just helps make us more of an attacking threat,” he said.
“It was nice that I was able to kick a couple. Mick (Barlow) kicked a couple too and Stephen (Hill) and Danyle (Pearce) were able to contribute as well.
“That gives the opposition something extra to think about.”
Freo’s next task will be taking on West Coast at Domain Stadium next Sunday and Fyfe believes the season won’t be getting any easier.
Win a Carlton Draught Derby Front Bar experience
“We’ve got some big challenges ahead, particularly with (Josh) Kennedy and their tall forwards,” he said.
“But it’s nothing we’re afraid of and nothing we’re not keen to take on.
“The midfield battle will be crucial.
“Derby week is a great week, our members and fans should be really excited about a huge game.
“I look forward to a fierce battle.”
Freo takes on West Coast in the Carlton Draught Derby on Sunday 19 April.
Bounce down is 2.40pm WST at Domain Stadium.
