Fremantle great Nat Fyfe calls time on glittering AFL career

The Fremantle great will bow out of the game as a dual Brownlow medallist, three-time best and fairest and three-time All-Australian when the Dockers’ campaign comes to a close.

Fyfe said he had been discussing his retirement for the last 12 months with his family and key figures at Fremantle including coach Justin Longmuir.

He signed a two-year contract extension midway through 2023 and managed to play 22 games last year before battling calf and hamstring injuries this season.

“Retiring has been a conversation that has been ongoing for probably the last 12 months with my family, my partner Bridget, my close circle, JL (Justin Longmuir), Joe Brierty and Simon Garlick,” Fyfe said.

“It just feels like it’s the right time. I’m just immensely grateful for what my AFL experience and playing with Fremantle has given to me.

“It’s been an enormous opportunity and has taken me to places I could never have dreamed of.”

Fyfe, 33, said he would walk away from the game “in a peaceful place” even if he missed out on what would be a fairytale maiden premiership to cap off his career.

He became the last remaining member of the Dockers’ unsuccessful 2013 grand final team when Michael Walters retired in June.

“Knowing this is the end of my career, I leave with a sense of understanding that I don’t need anything further, which is a really peaceful place to be,” he said.

“And yet myself – and the team – still find ourselves in a position where that elusive premiership dream is well and truly alive.”

The high-marking midfielder thanked Fremantle players, staff and supporters for embracing him as a “skinny kid” and continuing to support him as he dealt with repeat injury blows in the twilight of his career.

“As I struggled with injury and adversity, the unconditional support and love from the Fremantle community, supporters and members, willing me on, whether that was just coming up to me in the street, writing to me or just cheering when I got the footy on the ground means a lot,” he said.

“I’ll always be a Fremantle person and I’ll be eternally grateful for the support I’ve received from the Freo family.”

Fyfe swapped jumpers with his longtime peer and Port Adelaide great Travis Boak after the Dockers’ narrow win over the Power on Saturday night in a strong indication that he had made up his mind on his future.

Fremantle football boss Joe Brierty said Fyfe’s legacy at the club would “live on forever”.

“What he has achieved over the span of his career, not only at an individual level but as a club leader is something he should be immensely proud of,” Brierty said.

“When he arrived at the club back in 2009, it was clear he had raw talent. Those early years saw a dedicated pursuit of excellence that would enable him to reach great heights in our game.

“With his decision to retire at the conclusion of our 2025 campaign, we know he will leave no stone unturned to make the most out of every moment left.”