It doesn’t happen often to Michael Barlow, but he was lost for words to describe how good Nat Fyfe’s last quarter was in Thursday night's stunning win over Carlton.
Fyfe enhanced his burgeoning reputation with an incredible effort in the five-point victory.
The Freo superstar willed himself from contest to contest in the final term to gather 11 influential disposals and finished the match with 28 touches (21 contested), 13 clearances and two goals.
Midfield teammate Barlow was asked after the game what he thought of the 22-year-old’s performance.
He paused for thought, searching for a fitting superlative, and then just shook his head.
“He's pretty good,” Barlow said.
“It’s hard to put into words.
“He’s just a warrior.”
Barlow said Fyfe had some great qualities, and one of them was the ability to lift those around him through his actions.
“He's a guy that he sees some areas that people aren't pulling their slack, and he'll literally chuck them on his back and start to work,” he said.
“He had (Andrew) Carrazzo hanging off him most of the night, and for him to pull out 30 minutes like he did is just rewards and why he’s rated as such a high-quality player.
“I'd definitely rather be playing with him than against him.”
Fyfe, who is having a sensational season, would be among the favourites to win this year’s Brownlow Medal, but he is ineligible because of a two-week suspension from round 2.
Barlow said Fyfe wasn’t the only big contributor in the pulsating final term.
He highlighted Chris Mayne’s effort.
“Chris Mayne just didn’t stop all night,” Barlow said
“He probably didn’t get the output on the scoreboard or disposal-wise but he was the one that was able to put a bit of pressure on their backs.”