Fremantle Dockers star Nat Fyfe returned to football in front of an excited crowd as he ran at Leederville Oval for the Peel Thunder in a 74-68 victory over Subiaco.
It was Fyfe’s first game in the WAFL since he was 18 and he played a major role, finishing with a maximum of 24 discards, five touchdowns, four tackles and four interiors of 50.
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Nat Fyfe warms up before his return. (Photo by Paul Kane / Getty Images) Source: Getty ImagesFyfe attracted a large crowd. (Photo by Paul Kane / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
Fyfe spent most of the time in the middle of the pitch and said Channel 7 by the time his body was “holding up well” on his return.
“I started my state football career in that field, so it’s good to be back,” he said.
“It’s so good that so many people came out to see him today.”
The match was Fyfe’s first since round 19 last year, after being sidelined due to shoulder and back injuries.
Fyfe dominated at first with a maximum of nine touches in the first quarter, but was limited to just one in the second period and gave up three free throws.
North Melbourne’s great Wayne Carey had called the decision to play against Fyfe in the WAFL “ridiculous”, although Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir defended the call-up.
Nat Fyfe of the Thunder during the seventh round game of the WAFL against the Subiaco Lions. (Photo by Paul Kane / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images Fyfe signals to teammates. (Photo by Paul Kane / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
“I understand the criticism that some may make, but we believe that internally we have more knowledge of the situation,” Longmuir said in the middle of the week.
“Fyfe knows his body better than anyone, and we made this call to prepare him for the second half of the year.
“It’s not just his shoulder, he’s had a back problem, he’s got a small knee problem that he has had to overcome.
“Sometimes it takes a little (time) to build confidence not only in your body, but also in your game.”
Fyfe echoed those sentiments, telling the media after the game that “it was the right call” to make his 10-month return through the WAFL.
“It was definitely the best for me,” he said.
“I felt a little rusty and I went to the game more easily, but I received a few blows and blows that gave me confidence in my body.
“I feel like the fans have hugged today and WA Footy, it was great to see him.”
Fyfe took the time to take pictures with the burst of fans who came to Leederville Oval to see him play.
Fyfe poses for a selfie with a follower. (Photo by Paul Kane / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images Fyfe celebrates as an honor guard descends. (Photo by Paul Kane / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images Fyfe poses for selfies and signs autographs after winning. (Photo by Paul Kane / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images Fyfe celebrates with his teammates after the victory. (Photo by Paul Kane / Getty Images) Source: Getty Images