Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is keen to have Nat Fyfe’s week-to-week function shrouded in thriller to be able to maintain rival groups guessing for the rest of the AFL season.
Fyfe made a profitable return from a plantar fasciitis damage on Saturday evening, tallying 10 disposals, two clearances and a aim within the 69-point win over Hawthorn after approaching because the sub late within the third quarter.
The two-time Brownlow medallist blended his time between the midfield and ahead line, and he did some further working after the match to make sure he bought sufficient work into his legs.
Fyfe was initially slated to play as a full-time ahead this yr.
But with Fremantle struggling within the clearance battle this yr, particularly the centre clearances, Longmuir has opened the door for Fyfe to return to his customary on-ball duties.
Fyfe’s function might change from week to week, and Longmuir has grow to be more and more testy when discussing what plans he has for the 31-year-old.
“I like to keep a few of those things under wraps, because it keeps the opposition guessing a little bit,” Longmuir stated.
Fremantle tackle Sydney on the SCG subsequent Saturday, and Longmuir stated Fyfe shall be assessed on Monday earlier than figuring out whether or not he’ll play the sub function once more or be within the 22.
“We’ll look at the best way to prepare him to see out the season,” Longmuir stated.
“Whether that’s another game as the sub, or we play him and sub him out, or we play him and manage him through minutes – there’s a lot of different options.”
Fremantle gained the contested possessions battle by 20 towards the Hawks, marking the primary time this yr they’d come up trumps in that stat.
But probably the most pleasing factor to return out of the match was the type of prized recruit Luke Jackson, who starred with 24 disposals, six marks, seven tackles, 4 clearances and two objectives in a best-afield show.
“He had influence around the ball, whether he was in the ruck or midfield, and I thought he was one of our best pressure players and ground ball players across the ground,” Longmuir stated.
“He took more opportunities. Giving him a go on ball sometimes gets those types of players going around the ball, which allows him to take that confidence elsewhere.
“And typically it simply takes time for gamers to really feel snug of their function, discovering their toes at a brand new membership.
“I thought it was Jaeger (O’Meara’s) best game for the club as well, and he’s in a similar boat.”
Longmuir is optimistic the accidents to Lachie Schultz (shoulder), Sam Switkowski (heel) and Alex Pearce (ankle) weren’t something to fret about, with the trio anticipated to face Sydney.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
