Veteran Fyfe turns back clock in super sub role
Introducing Nat Fyfe the super sub.
For the second week in a row, the dual Brownlow medallist has had maximum impact from minimal time on the ground – and it could well be an X-factor for the Dockers should they make the finals and go deep.
He offers an experienced head in the clutch and a big, menacing body for fatigued opponents.
As the coach Justin Longmuir said this week, Fyfe is like an extra coach on the bench, a sounding board for teammates taking a rest.
In Fyfe's first game for the season against Gold Coast in round 11, he ripped off the subs vest at three-quarter time and racked up seven telling final quarter possessions.
Last night against the Kangaroos, he replaced Neil Erasmus three minutes before the last change and his impact was felt equally, with nine disposals, two clearances and an inspiring chase down run along the wing.
With 4.25 left in the final term, Fyfe put his head down and reeled in Luke Davies-Uniacke, who helped the veteran by muffing a bounce.
Fyfe then extracted the turnover, fed an opponent and the Dockers were able to muster another scoring chance with the game in the balance.
His night wasn't done yet.
Long after the final siren had sounded and minutes after belting out Freo Heave Ho with his teammates, Fyfe was back out in the middle, building some running loads in the centre square.
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