Nat Fyfe: Fans pay tribute to retiring Fremantle Dockers legend in crucial clash against Brisbane

West Australian

19 hours ago

A sold-out Fremantle home crowd have rallied behind retiring superstar Nat Fyfe, showing their appreciation for one of the club's greatest-ever players in the early stages of their all-important clash with Brisbane.
Despite Fyfe again starting as the substitute, Dockers fans were eager to show their support for their superstar, with several making their presence felt along the boundary line with homemade signs before the game.
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.
If Fremantle finish lower than sixth or miss the finals, the game will be Fyfe's 132nd and last in WA.
Fyfe was named as the Dockers' substitute for the second game running and will be looking to emulate the late on-ball boost he provided in their comeback win over Port Adelaide last week.
Before the game, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said he was hopeful his side would lift for their legend.
'There wasn't a dry eye in the house when he announced (his retirement),' Longmuir said.
'We hope this isn't his last home game tonight.'
The Dockers are looking to secure their finals place - and remain in firm contention for a top-four spot - with a win over Brisbane.
In an impassioned plea to his teammates this week, Fyfe urged them to make the most of their opportunities over the coming games to set up a run at a historic premiership.
'If I can ask us all in the room to do anything from here, it's just to stay in the moment, embrace everything that comes with the challenge of the next however many weeks,' Fyfe told Fremantle players and staff.
'And let's f...ing win that cup.'