Nat Fyfe suffers hamstring injury in WAFL comeback

Fremantle veteran Nat Fyfe faces yet another lengthy stint on the sidelines after suffering a moderate-grade hamstring strain in the WAFL on Saturday, further clouding his AFL future in what could be his final season.

Fyfe, 32, had been working his way back into senior contention through the Peel Thunder following a pre-season knee injury, but his comeback was cut short in the first quarter of Saturday’s match.

While surgery won’t be required, the dual Brownlow Medal winner is expected to miss an extended period — a cruel blow in a career already heavily impacted by injury.

“It’s obviously frustrating for Nat, as he had been progressing well following his knee injury,” Fremantle footy boss Joe Brierty said.

“We know the calibre of person and player he is, and we’re confident he’ll tackle this setback with full commitment.”

While Fyfe will avoid surgery, the strain is expected to sideline him for an extended period, making an AFL return look increasingly unlikely in what looms as the final season of his glittering career.

The three-time Doig Medal winner managed 22 games in 2024 — a significant improvement after playing just 16 across the previous two years.

However, the ongoing toll of soft tissue injuries and surgeries has left Fyfe spending more time on the rehab track than on the field in recent seasons.

It is hardly the news Freo fans had hoped for leading into their AFL Round 6 clash with Melbourne, with Justin Longmuir’s men paying $1.45 at BetOnline to win at the MCG on Saturday.

The Dockers have turned their season around after a 0–2 start, stringing together three straight wins despite a growing injury list.

With a top-eight finish firmly in sight, online bookmakers have installed Freo at $1.67 to play finals this year.

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