Bold new deal for Fremantle great

Fremantle great Nat Fyfe says the lure of playing in the club’s first premiership will drive him on for two more seasons despite issues with his body.

The Dockers announced their dual Brownlow medallist had signed on until the end of 2025 in a strong display of loyalty following speculation over his future earlier this season.

Fyfe stepped down as Fremantle captain in February and was hampered by plantar fasciitis in the early rounds after overcoming a horror run of shoulder, back and hamstring issues.

The 31-year-old has built steadily since returning via the sub role in round 8 and gathered 20 possessions in the Dockers’ important win over Melbourne at the MCG last week.

He said he was “never going to play footy anywhere else” and was fully committed to helping the club return to the flag contender status it held last season.

“It’s been an interesting previous contract for me, where we basically went through a complete list turnover and rebuild,” Fyfe said.

“I haven’t played finals since 2015 and I feel there’s been a lot of investment into the club and the club has invested in me.

“I like to play long games, I like pay-offs in the end and I’m really hopeful that at the end of this there’s a really good story.”

Fyfe said he had appreciated the support of fans over a frustrating two-year period in which he only managed 22 games.

“It’s every club’s goal to try and win a premiership and for us to be part of the first premiership adds a little bit extra, I think,” he said.

“The last two years has been pretty challenging for me, but I feel the support from the fans has only grown for me and for the club.

“I would never have played footy anywhere else other than here and I’m hopeful (the fans) can be part of a pretty special couple of years coming up for our club.”

Fremantle list boss David Walls said Fyfe was buoyed by the position the Dockers playing group was in to vie for a premiership.

“The club knows what a tremendous leader he has been for us and he continues to grow our emerging leaders on and off the field,” Walls said.

“We feel he is over the injuries he has had recently and it is great to see him start to build back to his best form.

“Fyfe has been open to us about maximising his career and the option to stay at the club was compelling for him – given the state of the list, he wanted to get the most out of his time at the club and the position we’re in … he is excited to be a part of that.”