Nat Fyfe will be on unrestricted minutes for the first time since returning from a foot issue as Walyalup (Fremantle) look to continue their resurgence with a fourth win on the trot against Narrm (Melbourne) at the MCG on Saturday.
The dual Brownlow medallist has played 32, 25 and 53 per cent game time in his three appearances since coming back from plantar fasciitis, tallying 69 minutes in Saturday’s win over reigning premiers Geelong at Optus Stadium.
Splitting his time between the midfield and attack, the 31-year-old finished with 17 disposals and four clearances, including nine and three in the third term before getting subbed out before three-quarter time for youngster Matthew Johnson.
“He’ll be unrestricted this week,” Dockers coach Justin Longmuir revealed on 7NEWS.
“We’re still not sure what role we give him and how long he plays but he’ll be unrestricted.
“He pulled up well so he’ll have a full week on the track and we’ll weigh up what his role looks like this week.”
Longmuir said prized recruit Luke Jackson had embraced all challenges thrown at him in his debut season in purple, and facing up against the team he won a flag with in 2021 would be no different.
Jackson has been a big reason behind the Dockers’ winning run, having an impact up forward and in the ruck.
“Most people would get a little bit of anxiety around playing their old club the first time around but it doesn’t seem to worry him too much these sorts of things,” Longmuir said.
“He approaches his footy in a really consistent manner and he’s in good form so he should be excited about the challenge.”
One day after star midfielder Clayton Oliver was ruled out with a hamstring injury, the Demons have lost another key player with wingman Lachie Hunter failing to have his one-match rough conduct ban overturned.
The Dockers have just two players on their injury-list – young defender Heath Chapman who is expected to miss 4-6 more weeks with a hamstring injury and veteran forward Matt Taberner (back) whose return timeframe is yet to be locked in.
Longmuir was excited by young spearhead Jye Amiss’ rapid improvement this season, forming a three-man tall-forward attack alongside Jackson and Josh Treacy.
Amiss was overlooked for the round 10 Rising Star nomination for Hawthorn’s Josh Weddle, despite three majors in the win over the Cats.
“We’re all excited about Jye and his potential and what he’s producing at the moment,” Longmuir said.
“He’s forming part of a really strong and functioning forward line and is working really well with Jacko and JT as tall forwards.
“He’s been able to hit the scoreboard and contribute in a lot of different ways so he’s improved from the start of the year and will continue to improve as the years unfold.”
At the other end of the ground, Claremont product Jacob van Rooyen will be one to watch for Narrm with 13 goals in his first eight games of league footy.
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