While understanding the reasons why, Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe isn’t looking forward to footy without fans due to the Covid-19 crisis preventing spectators from attending games.

The star midfielder expects the lack of fans will have a ‘huge’ effect on Freo’s round one clash with Essendon on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.

“We won’t see the fans in the stands and we won’t see them when we play back at home but we know how passionate they are,” Fyfe said.

“I’ve seen Fremantle fans walking down the street with hats on and we really feel that support.

“For our fans who are watching on at home, engage with us as much as you can through social media, scream at the TV as much as you can and we’ll feel that support all the way in Melbourne and we’ll try and get the result for you.”

Fyfe added it would be strange to play without the spectator noise.

“I think we’ll have to see what it’s like once we get out there,” Fyfe said.

“We’ll be able to communicate easier, for the players that might be a good thing or a bad thing.

“We’ve told our players to remain open minded and adapt to the changes as quickly as we can.”

Fyfe said he’s been impressed with how well the team has stayed focused on the game with uncertainty surrounding the start of the season.

“As humans we want certainty and now we have that decision made that there’s a game on,” Fyfe said.

“We’re back into our usual routine. I think the boys trained really well on Wednesday, there didn’t seem to be any traces of distraction and we’ll go into the game really optimistic and with a good plan.”

Bouncedown for the clash is at 2.10pm local time (11.10 WST) and will be broadcast live into Perth on Channel 7 and Fox Footy with streams available on Kayo and AFL Live Pass.

If you’re watching from home, make sure you get involved with DockerBox. This week fremantle.fcom.au is asking all Freo fans to get involved and submit their entries to be a part of the new online show.