‘Feels Like It’s the Right Time’: Two-Time Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe Announces AFL Retirement

Nat Fyfe has confirmed he will retire at the end of the AFL season, bringing to a close a glittering 16-year career with Fremantle.

The 33-year-old is widely regarded as one of the Dockers’ all-time greats, having scored 178 goals in 245 appearances since making his debut as a teenager.

Fyfe claimed the prestigious Brownlow Medal on two occasions, receiving the game’s highest individual honour in 2015 and again in 2019.

A three-time All-Australian, Fyfe admitted the decision had been on his mind for some time and is hoping to finish his career in style with the fourth-placed Dockers.

“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,” Fyfe said in a club statement on Monday evening.

“It just feels like it’s the right time. I’m immensely grateful for the experiences and opportunities playing with Fremantle has given me. It has taken me to places I could never have dreamed of.

“I leave with the understanding that I don’t need anything further, which is a really peaceful place to be. Yet, both myself and the team still find ourselves in a position where that elusive premiership dream is well and truly alive.”

Fyfe was selected with the 20th pick in the 2009 draft and made his debut the following year against Richmond, beginning an extraordinary journey with the Dockers.

The star midfielder expressed his gratitude to everyone at the club for their support, particularly in recent years as he battled injuries.

“I’m enormously grateful for all the support I’ve been given by Fremantle,” he said.

“They embraced me as a skinny kid, watched me rise through the ranks and supported me all the way. When I struggled with injury and adversity, the unconditional support and love from the Fremantle community, supporters and members — willing me on, whether that was coming up to me in the street, writing to me, or cheering when I got the footy — meant a great deal.

“I’ll always be a Fremantle person and will be eternally grateful for the support I’ve received from the Freo family.”

Fyfe also claimed the Doig Medal — awarded to the club’s best and fairest — in 2013, 2014 and 2019, and captained the side for six years during the peak of his career.