Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir defends decision to bring Nat Fyfe back through the WAFL

The decision to bring dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe back to football through the reserves has raised some eyebrows.

Nat Fyfe will return to football via the WAFL. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has defended his decision to bring dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe back through the WAFL after 10 months on the sidelines, declaring he needs to build up confidence in his body.

Fyfe hasn’t played since round 19 in 2021 after having shoulder and back surgeries and will make his long-awaited return in Saturday‘s WAFL clash between Peel Thunder and Subiaco.

AFL legend Wayne Carey was among a few who criticised the decision to bring Fyfe back through the second-tier competition, labelling it “absolutely ridiculous” that he was missing the clash with second-placed Brisbane.

“You do not put Nat Fyfe in the WAFL,” Carey said.

But Longmuir said Fyfe would play limited minutes to try to get the contact that can’t be replicated at training and it was a considered decision aimed to ensure their superstar would return to the AFL team ready to help their finals charge.

Nat Fyfe hasn’t played for Fremantle since injuring his shoulder in round 18, 2021. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“I understand the criticism that some may have of it, but we think internally we have the most knowledge of the situation,” Longmuir said.

“Fyfe knows his body better than anyone, and we’ve made this call to set him up for the second half of the year.

“It‘s not just the shoulder, he’s had a back niggle, he’s got a little knee niggle that he’s had to overcome.

“Sometimes it takes a little bit of (time) to build confidence in not only your body but your game as well.”

Dockers gun Luke Ryan reveals to @6PRbreakfast that teammates have been pranking skipper Nat Fyfe by leaving Burley footballs in his locker for the last few weeks, anticipating his return through the WAFL. #foreverfreo

— Gareth Parker (@G_Parker) June 1, 2022

Several premiership rivals have opted to bring their players straight back into the AFL side after long-term injuries, including the Lions who played star forward Eric Hipwood after he recovered from a knee reconstruction.

But Longmuir said it was too hard for Fyfe to get match hardened at training during the middle of the season and the WAFL hitout could be a better indication of his match readiness.

“He hasn’t played AFL footy for 10 months now,” Longmuir said.

“It’s pretty hard in season to replicate matches at training because the players who are playing do minimal load.

“When you‘re in rehab it’s hard to manufacture that game-like training, so we just think it’s a really good progression to be able to manage his minutes (in the WAFL).”

Longmuir said forward Matt Taberner, who was subbed out of last week‘s win over Melbourne with a back spasm, was still in the frame to play the Lions but didn’t lock him in.

The Dockers are third on the ladder having ended Melbourne’s 17-man unbeaten run at the MCG last weekend.

Originally published as Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir defends decision to bring Nat Fyfe back through the WAFL