Nat Fyfe is continuing to lead the way at Fremantle in what Sean Darcy says has been the ruckman’s ‘most intense pre-season’ so far.

Darcy feels Fremantle have been able to achieve a game-like intensity at training on the back of Fyfe’s determination to see Freo improve in 2021.

“I think this is the most intense pre-season I’ve been in in terms of drills, tackling and going at each other fully,” Darcy said.

“We’re trying really hard to go at each other because that’s how we’re going to improve, if we play a game-like intensity at training.

“I feel we’ve gone up another gear and that’s probably come from Fyfey. He’s come back in really good shape, he’s leading the way, being really intense, going at each other, tackling and not giving (anyone an inch).”

Darcy said that Fremantle aren’t relying on any individual to bring improvement to the club, instead saying it was going to come from the collective.

“I think everyone is going to improve, we’re a young team,” Darcy said.

“If everyone is fighting every training session to get better (then) no-one’s walking into spots this year.

“We want to be hard to play against, we want to compete and be tough. We show up every day and we work really hard and try to improve and bring an energy and vibe to training every day.

“We’re competitive and don’t want to give up.”

Fellow ruck Lloyd Meek is one of those players that Darcy expects to take a big step forward this season.

The 203cm, 111kg big man is yet to make his debut after three seasons on Fremantle’s list.

‘Lloyd’s going really well at the moment,” Darcy said.

“This time last pre-season, he was coming back from surgery on his foot so this is the first full pre-season he’s had.

“He’s put on a bit of size, he’s looking really strong. He’s out there and he’s competing really well, which is good to see.”