Nat Fyfe’s illustrious Australian Football League career has reached a poignant conclusion, as the two-time AFL Players’ Association Most Valuable Player (MVP) faced the final moments of his playing days with the Fremantle Dockers. The 31-year-old made the announcement this season that 2023 would be his final year. He signed off with an exhilarating 2-point win over the Western Bulldogs, providing a great legacy marred only by its sadness.
Fyfe shared the stage at the post-match press conference alongside coach Justin Longmuir. … [I]t hit me after the game, when I kind of felt, you know, a little numb. Although he was disappointed not to win a premiership, he was thankful for his time in the league, saying.
“The game’s been very generous and I’m grateful for that,” – Nat Fyfe
Fyfe’s last game provided an excellent display of the moments that lingered, hinting at his still potent class. His big moment came when he activated as a tactical substitute at three-quarter time, replacing Jye Amiss with the Dockers down by 15 points. His first touch came when he subbed onto the field in the 6th minute of the second half. In short order, he established himself as one of the game’s premier playmakers with breathtaking contested catches like this one on the boundary, toting skills that landed him three All-Australian selections in 2014, 2015 and 2019.
Former AFL player Kane Cornes recognized Fyfe’s aggressiveness, dubbing him “an absolute beast.” This respect from his peers highlights the legacy he has created and will continue to lead. Fyfe turned out a remarkable 248 games in his storied career. He had 178 accurate goals to his name and Brownlow Medals in 2015 and 2019.
Fyfe rolled his ankle only days before the game, which limited his ability to prepare. Yet nothing could stop him from doing everything possible to contribute to his team’s success.
“It was just at the end of training. It wasn’t too bad but at my age and with scar tissue, a small ankle can turn into a major thing. But it wasn’t too bad,” – Nat Fyfe
As the game moved into its dying minutes, Fyfe made the goal-saving plays that helped the Dockers stay in the match. Despite this, they were still unsuccessful in their search for success. Fyfe reflected on his career with a little regret for this season. He was optimistic that such recollections of future adventures would improve with time.
“I finish disappointed in some ways with how this season went but those memories will eventually turn into fond ones for what’s been an amazing experience,” – Nat Fyfe
During our time together, he gave me candid and useful context about his own path. He focused on how the lessons he learned along the way were more important than winning championships.
“We all want to win premierships. I do have some contentness that I tried everything, gave absolutely everything to the club and evolved myself along the way,” – Nat Fyfe
The end of Fyfe’s career will be a bittersweet time for himself and the Fremantle Dockers. What he leaves behind is a legacy marked by an indomitable work ethic, determination, and a fierce loyalty to his teammates. As he waved goodbye to the Dockers crowd after the game, you could see how much he loved the club. It was equally evident that his impact would be felt for decades to come.
“The game tried many different times to tell me that the end of the road was near and so I walk away knowing this is definitely the right time,” – Nat Fyfe
