Fremantle coach Longmuir praises Fyfe-Serong double act

Nat Fyfe turned back the clock with his display in Fremantle’s win over the Bulldogs.

The Nat Fyfe of old is back, but he’s not the only Fremantle midfielder opposition sides will be having nightmares about.

Fyfe wound back the clock on Saturday night with 37 disposals, seven clearances, one goal and 443 metres gained in his team’s 14.11 (95) to 10.11 (71) win over the Western Bulldogs.

It marked his highest possession count since the two-time Brownlow medallist tallied 37 disposals against Port Adelaide in round 13, 2019.

Before Saturday night, Fyfe hadn’t even cracked the 30-possession barrier since 2021, but his form this year is growing by the week and has been a huge shining light for Fremantle.

Fyfe entered the 2024 campaign off the back of four injury-plagued seasons, but he is finally fit and reaping the rewards of an extended run without setbacks.

“We’ve seen snippets of it and quarters of it,” Longmuir said of Fyfe’s hot form this year.

“We probably haven’t seen a sustained game like what he produced against the Bulldogs from him since he got back.

“But his body of work since day one of pre-season has been phenomenal, and I’ve spoken a lot about that work and how it set him up for the season.

“His ability to bring his teammates into the game and make his possessions contribute to us hitting the scoreboard was really, really good.

“It’s good to see him get reward for all the persistence and all the effort.

“He just wants to be a part of a successful team. And he’s doing everything he can to be able to help build a successful team.”

Fyfe has become a clearance beast for Fremantle this year, but even his efforts have paled into comparison to what Caleb Serong is producing.

Serong set a club record for most possessions when he racked up 46 disposals against Brisbane in round one.

And the 23-year-old set another one, this time for clearances, against the Bulldogs on Saturday when he tallied a whopping 17 from his 37 disposals.

“It’s just a normal game for Caleb tonight,” Longmuir joked.

“It’s a phenomenal effort to get 17 clearances and even more so against that midfield … that’s outstanding and exceptional.

“I’m not sure where it sits in the AFL. I haven’t seen that number too often, but he’s a pro.

“He continues to work on all aspects of his game. His ground ball is up there with the best in the comp.

“He trusts himself because of all the work he’s done, and I’m just really proud of him as a person.

“You see him go to work every day and the example he sets for his teammates as a young player and young leader is great.”

Fremantle lost defender Josh Draper to a hamstring injury, but are a strong chance to regain forward Jye Amiss (concussion) for next week’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.