Fremantle veteran Nat Fyfe had his most impactful game in years in Saturday’s 95-71 win against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.
The 32-year-old finished with 37 disposals, 10 score involvements, one goal and seven clearances as the Dockers pulled away late to win in a tight encounter.
It was also the first time since Round 6, 2021 that the midfielder collected more than 30 touches in a game.
Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes said that the two-time Brownlow winner turned back the clock in the big game after a brilliant start with 15 disposals in the first term alone.
“He turned back the clock, Nat Fyfe,” Cornes said on AFL.com.au’s The Round So Far.
“He had 15 in the first quarter could you believe it? That’s a career-high for him. 15 disposals in one-quarter of football.
“Their midfield is balanced. I do love Hayden Young and they have Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw and if Fyfe can do this (they will dominate teams).”
While Fyfe showed that he still has it in him to dominate games, Cornes hopes that Fremantle manages him throughout the season to continue getting the best out of him – particularly as he’s only played 20 or more games in a season once since 2017 due to injuries.
“He’s not going to do this every week – I hope that they manage him throughout the year with his minutes at his age and injury history – but he looked more powerful tonight and more explosive,” Cornes said.
“It’s not the Fyfe of old that we’ve known when he won two Brownlow Medals, but he played a crucial role.
“He had some critical contests.”
Although Fyfe starred, his midfield partner Caleb Serong was probably best afield with a ridiculous 17-clearance, 37-disposal stat line.
Cornes admires the way that the young Docker goes about his business.
“But I just admire Caleb Serong,” Cornes said.
“I think he’s one of the players in the competition that is unconditional. Every week regardless of the result, you can never, ever question his effort.
“17 clearances and 37 touches. When the game was up for grabs the key players from Fremantle came to play while some of the Bulldogs’ players went missing.”
The Dockers are now 4-3 and face Richmond at the MCG next Sunday.
As for the Dogs, they find themselves 3-4 with a clash against Hawthorn on the same day at Marvel Stadium awaiting them.
