Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has given Nat Fyfe a good chance to return early after an injury at Saturday’s AFL clash with St. Kilda at Metricon Stadium.
Fyfe strained his right Achilles tendon in a loss to Gold Coast nine days ago, but his recovery was so fast that he is considered a likely starter against the Saints.
“He’s a good chance to play,” Longmuir said to SEN’s Whateley on Monday.
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“He got along very well and I think the thigh injury was not as bad as some hamstrings can be.
“He is progressing very well and wants to raise his hand this week.
“Of course he has to get through our training sessions, but we expect him to play in this phase.”
Fyfe’s likely return is a huge boost for a Fremantle unit that celebrated its first win of the season on Sunday.
The Dockers defeated Adelaide by 20 points in a misrepresentation and gave Longmuir his first win as a senior coach.
Defender Reece Conca is scanned for a thigh injury in the third quarter.
Longmuir praised veteran Michael Walters, who scored a brilliant second half to make sure Fremantle took the win.
Walters had only one possession in the first half, but he shone when he switched to midfield and was critical when Fremantle pulled out in the last season.
Longmuir said Walters’ game preparation is top-notch and the example he sets has a great flow-on effect.
“His training standards are the best we have. I’m really proud to coach him, ”said Longmuir.
“He doesn’t waste a kick, doesn’t waste a moment training to improve.
“This is a great example for many of our younger players.
“Very often I will get our coaches to pull younger players out of certain exercises just to watch Sonny (Walters) at work because it is just a great example of how to train purposefully and get the best out of every moment. ”
St. Kilda is in fourth place in the ranking after an impressive 3: 2 season start.
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