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Nat Fyfe’s return ‘looking really promising’ as Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir mulls changes

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Chris RobinsonThe West Australian
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VideoAFL: Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir speaks to the media after taking on Carlton in round three at Marvel Stadium.

Justin Longmuir says a Nat Fyfe return against Hawthorn is “looking really promising”, with the Fremantle coach flagging further form-related changes in the wake of yesterday’s touch-up from Carlton.

Fyfe will be in the frame to bolster the Dockers, with his mandatory 12-day concussion spell expires before Sunday’s Optus Stadium clash.

Freo will also have to cover the loss of rising defender Hayden Young, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Blues, while Lachie Schultz left the game in the third term and did not return due to concussion symptoms.

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Longmuir said multiple changes were on the cards after a lacklustre showing against the Blues, with his side falling behind by as much as 10 goals in the third term before a 45-point defeat.

“Fyfey will come back if he passes all the protocols,” Longmuir said.

“It’s looking really promising.

Nat Fyfe appears set for a return against the Hawks.
Camera IconNat Fyfe appears set for a return against the Hawks. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos

“We’re going to have to fill a couple of other spots as well, and we’ve got to look at our form as well.

“We can’t be a team that goes up and down. We want to be consistent.

“That’s not just about winning and losing. That’s about application to role, application to contest... we need to put a consistent brand out there, which we haven’t for the first three weeks of the year.

“We need to look at personnel all over the ground, but we’re limited with who we can bring in.”

Hayden Young will miss the clash with the Hawks.
Camera IconHayden Young will miss the clash with the Hawks. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

The likes of James Aish (13 touches) and Travis Colyer (nine touches and a goal) were among several Dockers who failed to have a significant impact yesterday, while Liam Henry found the footy just three times after being subbed on for Young at the main break.

Forward Sam Sturt appears in the mix to be included to face the Hawks after a strong showing in Peel Thunder’s WAFL opener on Friday.

Sturt, who booted five goals for the Thunder, earned a Rising Star nomination for a three-goal effort in his AFL debut in round one last year before an ankle injury limited him to just three senior outings.

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