Fremantle champion Nat Fyfe has announced his retirement from the AFL at the conclusion of the 2025 season after an incredible 16-year career.
Fyfe will leave the game as arguably the Dockers' best ever player, claiming two Brownlow Medals, two MVPs, three All-Australian blazers, and three best and fairest awards.
But he's in search of a maiden premiership.
"Retiring has been a conversation that has been ongoing for probably the last 12 months with my family, my partner Bridget, my close circle, JL (Justin Longmuir), Joe Brierty and Simon Garlick," said Fyfe.
"It just feels like it's the right time.
"I'm just immensely grateful for what my AFL experience and playing with Fremantle has given to me.
"It's been an enormous opportunity and has taken me to places I could never have dreamed of.
"Knowing this is the end of my career, I leave with a sense of understanding that I don't need anything further, which is a really peaceful place to be. And yet myself, and the team, still find ourselves in a position where that elusive premiership dream is well and truly alive."
Fyfe has played 245 games for the Dockers since he was drafted with Pick 20 in the 2009 National Draft, including two for the International Rules team as well as the All-Stars in 2020.
The Lake Grace product burst onto the AFL scene, showcasing his tremendous aerial prowess as a ball-winning midfielder, and was the first Fremantle player to be awarded a Brownlow Medal.
Fremantle EGM of Football, Joe Brierty, said Fyfe's career will rank as one of the club's greatest.
"Nat's legacy at the Fremantle Football Club will live on forever," Brierty said.
"What he has achieved over the span of his career, not only at an individual level but as a club leader, is something he should be immensely proud of.
"When he arrived at the club back in 2009, it was clear he had raw talent.
"Those early years saw a dedicated pursuit of excellence that would enable him to reach great heights in our game.
"With his decision to retire at the conclusion of our 2025 campaign, we know he will leave no stone unturned to make the most out of every moment left."
Fyfe's dream of a premiership remains very much alive as the Dockers climbed to fourth on the ladder, narrowly defeating Port Adelaide.
A difficult fortnight leading into the finals against Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs awaits, but Fyfe's return to the senior side, and his decision to hang up the boots at season's end, could help spur on the Western Australia club to a maiden flag.
Nat Fyfe's accomplishments
Brownlow Medal: 2015, 2019
Doig Medal: 2013, 2014, 2019
Fremantle Dockers Captain: 2017 – 2022
All Australian: 2014, 2015, 2019
All-Australian captain: 2019
AFLPA Most Valuable Player: 2014, 2015
Fremantle Dockers Life Member: 2018
Fremantle Players' Award: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019
AFLPA 22under22: 2013
