Nat Fyfe: Injured Fremantle Dockers veteran ‘disappointed’ but not done with yet, says coach Justin Longmuir…
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says he feels for a disappointed Nat Fyfe, but maintains hope that the two-time Brownlow medallist can fix his injury issues in time for the business end of the season.
Fyfe failed to take to the field in last weekend’s win over St Kilda, with the Dockers substitute suffering what was later confirmed as a moderate-grade calf injury in the half-time warm-up. The club estimate the veteran’s return date as two-to-four weeks.
It marked the latest in a frustrating year for the 33-year-old, who had an interrupted pre-season due to knee surgery before being set back by a hamstring strain at WAFL level.
He’s disappointed,” Longmuir said of Fyfe on Seven.
It wasn’t ideal for anyone on the weekend.
I feel for him and what he’s gone through, being disrupted again by injury this year.
Longmuir said the latest injury blow would have no bearing on the future of the three-time Doig Medal winner, who is out of contract at season’s end.
We’ll make those decisions later in the year,” Longmuir said.
I’m really conscious of living in the moment. I really want to get Fyfey to rehab it as best he can and as quick as he can and get back to putting his hand up for selection again.
Fyfe is yet to play in a finals match since winning the first of his Brownlow Medals in 2015, with the former skipper desperate to return as the Dockers eye September action.
Longmuir hailed the impact of his much-discussed ruck duo in the win over the Saints, with Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy pivotal in helping Freo overcome a 14-point deficit in the final term to help extend the club’s winning streak to six.
I thought Sean’s ruck work returned to some of his better work, and his aerial (presence) around the ground was strong as well,” Longmuir said.
They were both strong contributors.
