Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe says he was pleased to get through the 2017 season unscathed as he looks to build for a big 2018.
Fyfe missed just one game in 2017 against Geelong in round 14, compared to his five games played in 2016 after a broken leg saw him ruled out for the remainder of the season.
In his return from injury, Fyfe equalled his 2011 total with 21 games - his most in a home and away season.
“I’ve played 21 games, which I think is the most I’ve ever played in a season and that’s off the back of a really big pre-season campaign,” Fyfe said.
“I’m starting to figure out what I’m capable of again and I’m looking forward to a big year next year.”
In his final eight games of the season, Fyfe put up numbers close to his Brownlow winning best.
In 2015, Fyfe averaged 28.9 disposals, 17.9 contested possessions and 1.8 contested marks per game.
Fyfe pushed towards these numbers late in the season, averaging 28.5 disposals, 16.9 contested possessions and 2.5 contested marks from his past eight AFL games.
“I’ve had a wish-washy year, the past eight to 10 games I’ve started to figure out how to play footy again and understand my body and know what is required,” Fyfe said.
“That’s what playing at top-level demands and I’ve missed 12 months and that was enough to really put me back amongst the pack.”
Despite some strong individual performances in 2017, Fyfe said he wasn’t surprised to see some of Freo’s best miss out on Virgin Australia All Australian selection.
“That’s probably accurate, we’ve had eight wins and we’ve had a lot of guys, our best players in Michael Walters, Connor Blakely, Stephen Hill, Bradley Hill who have had different injuries along the way,” Fyfe said
“You really have to stack a full season to be considered for All Australian.”
