The moment former Fremantle Dockers coach Ross Lyon knew Nat Fyfe would become a footy great

Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
VideoThe Fremantle captain will remain in Melbourne celebrating his second Brownlow Medal win before appearing at the Grand Final.

Former Fremantle coach Ross Lyon can remember the day he realised two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe was going to be star.

The 20-year-old had missed 13 games of the 2012 season, Lyon’s first in charge, due to a shoulder injury, returning in round 18 to take on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

But the young man stepped up like he had not missed a beat, collecting 26 disposals and kicking a goal to earn three Brownlow votes for the sixth time in just 44 games.

“I didn’t know Nat from a bar of soap when I went over there and he was injured,” Lyon told AFL.com.au

“He had really significant shoulder injuries. I heard a lot of noise about Nat, but it wasn’t until I seen it.

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“In his first game back after 14 weeks off he had 20 possessions in the first half, he kicked two goals against Port Adelaide I think.

“I thought ‘he’s handy’.”

Lyon described Fyfe as a “competitive beast” who was driven to be the best he could.

Camera IconLyon and Fyfe have a strong relationship ever since they linked up at the club together in 2012. Credit: Nic Ellis/WA News

“He's very driven. If there is zero to 100 in the AFL, he sits outside of that. He was hellbent on performance, and I always felt he would do anything for the team,” Lyons said.

“He's different, he's not exquisite with the ball like a (Matthew) Pavlich, (Brendon) Goddard or (Nick) Dal Santo. He is just a competitive beast, and he just takes people by awe.

“He’s had that drive, he always saw possibility in himself, but the drive to put on 20kg in two years and create an opportunity, just meant he was hell bound on performance.

“I remember Luke Hodge in International Rules just couldn’t believe how he took to the game and was just marking everything.”

Lyon said Fyfe’s influence did not stop on the field, describing him as one of the best mentors to young players he’s seen.

“I think some of the criticism of his leadership … what he does is prepare individually,” Lyon said.

“If you’re talking about taking players in, first-year players, mentoring them, helping them, improving them, then he’s as good as I’ve seen.

“He is growing to improve. I think it has been misplaced and mistimed, at times. He needed to learn and grow. Sometimes the tall-poppy syndrome kicks in, especially in small towns.

“I always felt Nat would do anything for the team.”

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