Mixed news for Dockers
by winkyintheuk
The Fremantle Dockers face a nervous wait to discover whether or not star midfielder Nat Fyfe will
be fit for their season-opener against Port Adelaide
after the 23-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in
training. Fyfe's pre-season schedule has already been interrupted due to the shoulder injury he sustained
in November while preparing to represent Australia in the International Rules tie against Ireland. Dockers
fans are now desperately hoping last year's stand-out player is fit in time for the start of the 2015 AFL
campaign.
On the back of a season in which he scored 24 goals in 20 games, those keeping an eye on the latest AFL
betting news could do worse than wait to see the full extent of Fyfe's injury before deciding whether or
not to back the Dockers for this season's title. Ever since making his debut for Fremantle in 2010, the
midfielder has been one of the club's most consistent and prolific players. If it had not have been for a
controversial suspension early last season, there was an extremely strong chance Fyfe could have ended
2014 as the Brownlow Medal winner. But despite missing out on that particular award, the free-scoring
midfielder wrapped up a sensational year by being named as the
AFL's most valuable player to cap off an
incredible season.
While the club wait to discover how long Fyfe will be out for, Cameron Sutcliffe has handed the Dockers
a boost with the news he has re-signed with the club until the end of 2018, ending speculation linking with
22-year-old with a move away from Fremantle. The youngster was an ever-present in the Dockers team
last year, finishing second among the Dockers squad for rebound 50's with an impressive total of 75 for the
season. The hard-running defender has been a key part of the team since being selected 71st overall in the
2011 draft, and Fremantle wasted little time in tying another of their young stars down to a long-term deal
ahead of the new season.
Those young players will be led by Matthew Pavlich again this season after the Fremantle stalwart was
named as captain for a ninth straight season. Despite making it known he planned on retiring at the end last
season, an impressive start to the year resulted in the six-time All Australian signing a one-year extension
with the club and going on to pass the 300 appearances and 600 goals mark for Fremantle. While he might
not be able to play every game this year, Pavlich has insisted he is determined to play as much as he can in
what could well be his final season in the AFL.
The Dockers veteran has captained the club on a record 167 occasions since taking over the role from Peter
Bell and the 33-year-old has been given a solid leadership group to assist him. Pavlich will be able to call
upon Aaron Sandilands, Luke McPharlin, David Mundy and Lee Spurr. And Nat Fyfe's continued influence
in this Dockers side has been highlighted by his promotion to the leadership line-up for this season after
replacing Matt de Boer. |