For the first time since returning from a leg break last season, Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe looks back to his Brownlow medal-winning best.
The 26-year-old suffered two broken legs in 2016 and after months of rehab, rest and sheer motivation, is showing signs of that commanding form that has seen him widely regarded as the best player in the AFL.
It was always going to be slow progress when attempting to get back to full fitness after injuries on that scale, and after a mixed 2017 campaign, Fyfe now appears to be on a whole different level compared with everyone else after five rounds of the new season.
Although he played 22 matches last campaign, he struggled for match sharpness and has emerged from a full pre-season as the dominant, ball-winning midfield AFL crowds were used to seeing every weekend.
Dustin Martin and Patrick Dangerfield may be the two most prominent players in the competition based on their form last season, but Fyfe has slowly regained his status as the sport’s most influential player.
Against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, Fyfe produced his third flawless display of the season with a career high 43 disposals to go with 13 clearances, 21 contested possessions and 11 score involvements.
Two weeks ago against the Gold Coast Suns in Perth, he clocked up 38 disposals, 24 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven forward entries, eight tackles and 12 score involvements.
It was his third masterclass in four weeks which prompted Suns coach Stuart Dew to label him utterly unstoppable.
But it’s not just his disposal count that makes him shine, he has an engine on him like a Pagani and is blessed with pace to burn, as well as the ability to dominate aerially and kick efficiently.
His talent is starting to shine again which is sure to boost the confidence around Perth Stadium as Fremantle look to redeem their fortunes following a dour 2017 season in which they failed to make the finals – finishing 14th.
For the Dockers, the goal this time around will surely be to make the eight-team showpiece, but with Richmond, Hawthorn and Sydney Swans looking a class above at times, it may be difficult to get beyond that stage.
Still the league looks fairly open this year with each side tasting defeat – and Fremantle are among nine teams locked on 12 points (three wins, two defeats).
In a 22 game regular season with matches nearly every week – anything can happen.
Securing Fyfe on a bumper six-year contract last summer was a great bit of business by the Fremantle hierarchy, especially with St. Kilda and North Melbourne purring in the long grass for the midfield supremo.
The Fremantle skipper is a born leader and plays footie at a voracious level – and his influence is sure to get the best out of a club who are yet to taste Premiership success.
His family home in secluded Lake Grace may be a far cry from the bustling city of Perth, but Fyfe looks back to his best and if he can continue this form, there’s no doubt he will cement his status as the best player in the league.
