Nat Fyfe will have played just two of Fremantle’s past six games, if he overcomes a leg injury and plays in the first round of the finals.
However, Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon has backed the star midfielder to be at his best, despite reduced game time.
Fyfe was ruled out of the final two matches of the home and away season due to inflammation in his left leg near the fibula.
Lyon said the star midfielder would not be underdone and had shown previously he could perform on return from injury.
HBF Injury Update: Fyfe's leg
“It’s not going to phase Nathan…he’s an incredible athlete,” he said.
“When we pick people, we expect a high level performance.
Lyon also had no concerns about Fyfe losing any touch during the time off, citing his performance in round 18, 2012 - when Fyfe returned from 13 weeks off due to a shoulder injury to collect 26 touches, a goal, and the three Brownlow votes against Port Adelaide.
“I’ve seen Nathan come off a shoulder reconstruction in my first year here,” he said.
“We’re really confident (he’ll be back).”
Lyon said Fyfe was frustrated to sit out the final two rounds of the season because he simply loved playing football.
“He’s obviously frustrated, because he loves playing footy,” he said..
“When you’re really good at something you love getting gout there and doing it.”
Lyon said Fyfe was on a well-designed rehabilitation program setup by the club’s medical and fitness staff.
Confident football
While he is not able to train on foot, he is still in full training in the gym.
“(We think) we’ll see him in really great shape for the first final, as it stands today,” he said.
“He’s off the leg to settle inflammation.
“This really just popped up out of nowhere.
“(But) you can still work really hard in the gym, off legs, bike and swim.”
Lyon said the break might offer Fyfe a rare opportunity to carry no “bumps or bruises” into the finals.