AFL: Fremantle star Nat Fyfe suffers fresh shoulder setback

Nat Fyfe’s season was hampered by shoulder concerns but the dual Brownlow medallist isn’t out of the woods just yet.

Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe has contracted a bacterial infection in his shoulder that will require him to take intravenous antibiotics.

The dual Brownlow medallist underwent surgery on an injured shoulder last Tuesday.

In a statement, the Dockers confirmed tests had revealed he had picked up an infection as a complication from the procedure.

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Fremantle’s executive general manager of football, Peter Bell, said the infection would set Fyfe back two or three weeks in his recovery.

“Unfortunately, Nathan’s tests have indicated a bacterial infection, and as a result, he will undergo intravenous antibiotics over the next two to three weeks,” Bell said.

“He won’t be able to do much physically in the period the antibiotics are being administered intravenously.”

Fyfe’s year was hampered by a dislocated right shoulder. Picture: Paul Kane / Getty Images

Bell confirmed Fyfe, 30, was nonetheless in good spirits.

“Nathan is optimistic and understands in particular the importance of the next two to three weeks to allow the IV antibiotics optimal effectiveness,” Bell said.

“We will advise a return to training date in due course, once there is more clarity around Nat’s recovery.”

Fyfe’s 2021 campaign was cruelled by the shoulder injury, which he initially suffered in the round 12 loss to eventual grand finalists the Western Bulldogs.

He returned to play a month later but was once again sidelined in July and underwent surgery,

After his recovery stalled, Fyfe went under the knife once more in the off-season.

“While it is disappointing, we know that he will be incredibly diligent in his recovery,” Bell said previously.

The Dockers came within striking distance of a finals berth in 2021 but were left to rue two separate losses to Carlton, which ultimately prevented them from featuring at the business end of the season.

Fremantle will hope the addition of new recruits Jordan Clark and Will Brodie, and the repatriation of a fit-and-firing Fyfe, can help the side play finals footy next year for the first time since 2015.

Originally published as AFL: Fremantle star Nat Fyfe suffers fresh shoulder setback