Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has praised Nat Fyfe for adding more layers to his game, saying the two-time Brownlow medallist is no longer just a "bash and crash" midfielder.
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Last year's experiment of playing Fyfe as a forward has been well and truly canned, with the 32-year-old starring in his customary midfield role in Saturday's 52-point pre-season win over West Coast.
With a full pre-season under his belt, Fyfe's fitness is the best it's been for years.
Longmuir believes Fyfe, a noted contested beast, is now a more rounded midfielder.
"I think Fyfey has added some layers to his own game, which complements his own game but also complements the way we play," Longmuir said.
"I don't think he's solely reliant on the contest as much as maybe he used to be.
"He can't just be the bash-and-crash player he used to be, because we've got other guys that can help in that area.
"We need to make sure we spread the load."
A significant part of the "layers" that Fyfe has been able to add is his ability to work back and help out the defence.
"He's been able to get a good body of work together with his fitness, so he's been able to really work on his transition," Longmuir said.
"Some of the contests he won (against West Coast) were off the back of his good transition work, rather than just his stoppage work.
"We want him to get forward when he gets the opportunity, we want him to work back and support the defenders when it's his turn, and he's shown over the pre-season that he's become really consistent in that."
There were plenty of positives to come out of Saturday's hit-out for Fremantle.
Jye Amiss booted three goals in the third quarter, and combined well with fellow tall forwards Luke Jackson (two goals) and Josh Treacy (two goals).
Small forward Tom Emmett was lively, and looms as the ideal replacement for the departed Lachie Schultz.
Hayden Young, who has played most of his career in defence, was impressive in the midfield alongside the likes of Fyfe, Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.
Forward Michael Walters copped a knock to his knee in the first half, but he's expected to be fine for Friday's practice match against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.
Recruit Jeremy Sharp missed the match against the Eagles due to illness, leaving him only the Power clash to prove his worth for a round-one berth.
Australian Associated Press
