Nat Fyfe is open to mixing things up in his fourth year as captain as he looks to think outside the box when leading a young Fremantle playing list in 2020.
The 28-year-old spoke candidly on Fremantle’s Pre-Season Show about how he hopes to get the most from his teammates this season.
He plans to pick his moments to be serious and light hearted, saying he was open to switching up with his on-field pre-game address to the players.
“It used to be quite regimented where I had to say this and pull this quote in,” Fyfe said.
“I think we’re now seeing across the AFL, where that last speech doesn’t necessarily mean anything in terms of the way the game’s going to go.
“I’m pretty open to having a bit of fun with it, maybe get Luke Ryan or Brennan Cox to say a few things to the boys on the way out, I’m sure they’d enjoy that.
“I want to have some fun with it and relax.”
The two-time Brownlow medallist said he finds leading the group easier now he’s one of the more experienced players on Fremantle’s list.
“I think in year one (as captain) I was 25-years-old. I was in about the mid-age range of the group, there was probably 20 guys older than me, 20 guys younger than me,” Fyfe said.
“I was finding my way as a captain. Now I’m in my fourth year, I’m 28, there’s only four players older than me in David Mundy, Stephen Hill, Michael Walters and Travis Colyer, so I’m seen as one of the more senior players now.
“Naturally it makes a bit more sense that I’ve become a bit more comfortable in my role as captain and my position in the group.
“Hopefully, now my leadership isn’t as forced or orchestrated, it’s more natural and authentic for me.”
Fyfe said he’s enjoyed the banter from his teammates after his shirtless photoshoot made front page of Monday’s The West Australian.
“The things you do, hey! They’ve had a lot of fun with it, the group chat has been lighting up,” Fyfe said.
“The best I saw was my body with Brennan Cox’s head stuck onto it.
“It’s ridiculous, it’s probably stuff I shouldn’t be doing, if my old man got a copy of that picture he’d let me know about it!”
