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Jordan Lewis backs Fremantle to play Nat Fyfe as a forward in 2022

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
Is Nat Fyfe forward the answer for Fremantle?
Camera IconIs Nat Fyfe forward the answer for Fremantle? Credit: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

Fremantle’s finals hopes could rest on Nat Fyfe’s ability to play as a forward, according to four-time premiership player Jordan Lewis.

The 30-year-old Dockers skipper famously struggled to convert in 2021, kicking an inaccurate 6.21 in his 15 matches.

Fyfe has only kicked more than 20 goals a season once — back in 2014, but Lewis believes Fyfe can dramatically improve his output in 2022, if he spent 70 per cent of his time in attack.

“I think he can kick 50 to 60 goals a year if he’s positioned (forward),” Lewis said on FoxFooty.

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“He could be the difference for them playing finals if he plays forward.”

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Lewis said he was not concerned about Fyfe’s inaccuracy last season, believing it was more mindset than ability.

Nat Fyfe reacts to missing a goal.
Camera IconNat Fyfe reacts to missing a goal. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

“Maybe it’s a mindset going… ‘Well I’m still a midfielder effectively’. If (Fremantle) go ‘No, you’re a genuine forward for us to give some exposure to the younger mids’, maybe it plays on his mind,” he questioned.

“Maybe Fyfe’s the player that releases the shackles in a sense of, you don’t have to be the number one person. Because that permeates through the playing group and they go, ‘Ok now I need to take more responsibility’.

“I would play him 70 per cent forward.”

But fellow FoxFooty panellist Mark Robinson wasn’t sold on Fyfe’s credentials as a forward.

“Why play forward if you can’t kick goals?”

Fyfe endured a tough 2021 for accuracy, and even resorted to training with a kids’ footy in a bid to correct his technique.

Nat Fyfe was an onlooker for Fremantle’s 97-point practice match win over West Coast.
Camera IconNat Fyfe was an onlooker for Fremantle’s 97-point practice match win over West Coast. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Coach Justin Longmuir revealed the two-time Brownlow Medallist met with the club psychologist to beat his goalkicking “demons” in May.

“I just think until he gets a couple through the big sticks in a row, he’s going to have a few demons in his head. He’ll work through them,” Longmuir said.

Already this year Fyfe has shown improvement in his goal kicking, slotting 5.1 in a practice session last month under the watchful eye of newly appointed forwards coach Jaymie Graham.

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