Nat Fyfe showcased his Brownlow Medal potential as Fremantle weathered a late storm to beat West Coast by 19 points in Sunday’s NAB Challenge clash at Domain Stadium.
Fyfe tallied 29 possessions and kicked 1.2 in the 1.13.17 (104) to 1.11.10 (85) victory, with his overhead marking and clean skills at ground level the highlight.
The 23-year-old finished just one vote behind Matt Priddis in last year’s Brownlow medal count, despite missing four matches due to suspension.
But if he can avoid suspension and injury this year, he looms as a strong chance to take home the prestigious medal.
The Dockers controlled much of Sunday’s match, and appeared home once they opened up a 35-point lead late in the third quarter.
But inspired by two goals each from Josh Kennedy and Mark LeCras, West Coast closed the gap to four points early in the final quarter before a super goal from Cameron Sutcliffe settled Fremantle’s nerves in front of 16,032 people.
Fyfe’s heroics were a major positive for the Dockers, but they were left with a fresh injury concern after utility Nick Suban injured his right hamstring in the opening minutes.
The Dockers are hopeful Michael Barlow (ankle), Hayden Ballantyne (calf) and Tendai Mzungu (hamstring) will be fit for their season opener against Port Adelaide on April 5.
But Suban and Zac Dawson (groin) appear certain to miss the early rounds, while forward Matt Taberner (soreness) is still in doubt.
Tagger Ryan Crowley is in danger of missing the entire season after failing a doping test last July, with his hearing expected to be held next month.
West Coast entered Sunday’s match severely depleted in defence after Mitch Brown pulled out following his recent battle with hamstring tightness.
With Will Schofield (ankle) and Eric Mackenzie (knee) also on the sidelines, Elliot Yeo was given the daunting task of manning Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich.
Pavlich finished with two goals from 17 disposals in a strong showing, while Sutcliffe, Michael Johnson, Tom Sheridan, and Lee Spurr were also strong contributors.
West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui (13 hit-outs, 12 possessions) made it through his first pre-season hit-out unscathed, while Scott Selwood tallied 24 possessions in his return from a serious ankle injury.
