'I'll always be a Fremantle person': Fyfe's parting message
That was the final message from an emotional Nat Fyfe to a heaving Optus Stadium crowd as the Dockers legend received a guard of honour after what could be his last match in WA.
Fyfe lapped up the love from adoring Freo fans after his club's loss to Brisbane, with the mood quickly turning from sombre to appreciative after the Dockers' loss as attention turned to the retiring superstar.
The two-time Brownlow medallist did a quick lap of honour to acknowledge the Purple Army before heading down the race flanked by a guard of honour from teammates and Lions rivals. PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 15: Nat Fyfe of the Dockers acknowledges supporters while walking thru a guard of honour after announcing his retirement during the round 23 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium on August 15, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by) Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images
Fyfe gave the thumbs-up and clapped to the crowd and hugged a string of important figures in the line-up before exiting the arena, with the Dockers now facing a tough task to ensure it won't be his last WA fixture.
'I've had an amazing journey across my career and always been supported by our Fremantle family,' Fyfe said on Fox after the game.
'They've always supported me, and I could hear them whenever I got the ball. Nat Fyfe shares a moment with his father David. Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images
'It's very strange. It's not my style to announce a retirement then keep going - I would have liked to have just disappeared quietly.
'But I will soak in every single minute. This could be the last time I'm out here, and if that's so, that's OK.'
Fyfe had an impact with eight disposals and four inside-50s in his final quarter cameo after coming on, with every disposal cheered by Freo's record crowd for a non-derby clash of 54,302.
The fans were eager to show their support for Fyfe early despite him again starting as the substitute, with several fans making their presence felt along the boundary line with homemade signs before the game. Nat Fyfe fans were everywhere. Credit: Justin Benson Cooper / The West Australian
The club also got in on the occasion by handing out 10,000 posters of the two-time Brownlow medallist as the capacity crowd entered Optus Stadium.
A planned ovation at the seven-minute mark — the number Fyfe has worn for all but one of his 16 seasons with the Dockers — was only observed by small segments of the crowd, but their applause was audible around the ground.
Fremantle will need to beat the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium next week to secure their finals spot, or hope other results go their way if they don't.
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