Freo's Fyfe growing into form
Young Fremantle star Nat Fyfe says growing pains are the reason he is yet to join full pre-season training with his teammates.
Speaking at the club’s annual player/sponsor golf day at Burswood Park Golf Course this morning, Fyfe said the shoulder injury that kept him out for a large part of last season was 100 per cent but he had slight groin soreness.
Fyfe said he had not had any off-season surgery for the first time and hoped to join the main group just before or just after Christmas.
“I am just building slowly on a monitored program in the rehab group but I am not too far away hopefully,” he said.
“I have grown a lot in the last couple of years and rather than sort of blast back into it, I am just managing through.”
The star midfielder said he had gained about 15kg since coming to the club as a 70kg teenager at the end of 2009.
“My body is yet to adapt to that properly so it is going to be a management process for this season and probably the next couple as well.”
Fyfe said he expected to play the majority of season 2013 in the midfield but would also rest forward.
“Now with the rotations going the way they are there is going to be increased game time for players so the ability to rest forward will be a key.
“I like to play in the engine room – that’s where I do my best work I feel but I can go forward and try to use my height and mark as best I can as well.”
He was excited about the arrival of former Port Adelaide midfielder Danyle Pearce.
“We used to put a lot of planning into him when we played Port Adelaide so it is a fantastic acquisition for the club and I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do for us.
“Another headache for the opposition is only going to be a good thing for us midfielders.”
The Lake Grace product said he was excited about the club’s second season under coach Ross Lyon.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but we didn’t have many off-season surgeries so everyone is in really good nick at the moment.
“A few of the old bulls are starting to come through the doors so it is a really exciting time for the club.”
