Fremantle Dockers dual Brownlow Medallist and former captain Nat Fyfe to retire from AFL

Former Fremantle Dockers captain and dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe has confirmed he will retire at the end of the 2025 AFL season.

The 33-year-old confirmed his decision on Monday afternoon, telling his teammates it was the right moment to call time on his 16-year career.

"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 statement.

" It just feels like it's the right time. "

Fyfe has played just five games this season — four of them as the sub — after battling through a succession of leg muscle injuries.

He came on as the substitute in Saturday's come-from-behind win over Port Adelaide, which saw Fremantle climb into the top four.

Two Brownlow Medals

Hailing from the Wheatbelt farming town of Lake Grace, Fyfe was selected at pick 20 in the 2009 draft.

He debuted in Round 1 the following year, quickly cementing himself as a key part of the Dockers midfield.

He was among his side's best in the 2013 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn.

Nat Fyfe was the Brownlow Medallist in 2015 and 2019 (AAP: Michael Dodge)

Two years later he claimed his, and Fremantle's, first Brownlow Medal, polling 31 votes despite missing four games.

A second Brownlow followed in 2019, cementing Fyfe among the competition's modern greats.

He will also retire as a three time club champion and All-Australian, including being named captain of that side in 2019.

"Nat's legacy at the Fremantle Football Club will live on forever," said Dockers executive general manager of football Joe Brierty.

"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."

Brierty said he was sure Fyfe's decision to retire will spur both himself and his side to finals success.

"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," he said.

Nothing left to prove

With 245 games to his name ahead of this weekend's clash with Brisbane, Fyfe said he had nothing left to prove to himself.

"I'm just immensely grateful for what my AFL experience and playing with Fremantle has given to me," he said.

"It's been an enormous opportunity and has taken me to places I could never have dreamed of.

"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."

A young Nat Fyfe in 2011. (Paul Kane)

Fyfe also thanked the club's fans for their support.

"They embraced me as a skinny kid, watched me rise through the ranks and supported me through that, and then over the last couple of years it's taken on a different quality for me," he said.

"As I struggled with injury and adversity, the unconditional support and love from the Fremantle community, supporters and members, willing me on, whether that was just coming up to me in the street, writing to me or just cheering when I got the footy on the ground means a lot.

"I'll always be a Fremantle person and I'll be eternally grateful for the support I've received from the Freo family."

Tribute from proud dad

Speaking to Andrew Collins on ABC Regional Drive, Fyfe's father David said he was immensely proud of his son.

"As a parent, you're always proud," Mr Fyfe said.

"He's had 25 operations in his career, as you get older in anything it's pretty hard work, but he's such a determined character.

" It's the mental strength of that one person that can carry it through. "

He pointed to the 2013 Grand Final and the level of support for his son from Fremantle and other supporters as a particular highlight.

Fyfe's father David said he was immensely proud of what his son has achieved. (ABC Landline: Mark Bennett)

"We have to thank Nat for bringing us on the journey," Mr Fyfe said.

"It's had quite a few highs and lows, but it's been a lot of fun."

Asked what the future holds for his son, who has worked for his trucking business in previous off-seasons, Mr Fyfe said he had earned the downtime.

"I reckon the first thing he'll do is grow his hair and go surfing for a year, but that's up to him," he said.

"Sixteen years is a long time to be held to account."

WA Premier Roger Cook paid tribute to Fyfe on social media.

"Nat Fyfe is a Western Australian sporting legend," he wrote.

"One of the greatest Fremantle Dockers players of all time, Fyfe was lauded by his teammates, other players and fans and has brought much success to the state.

"He leaves behind an incredible legacy, on and off the footy field."

Locals hope a more permanent tribute to Fyfe can be erected in Lake Grace. (ABC Great Southern.)

At the Lake Grace-Pingrup Bombers, where Fyfe played his junior footy, Head Coach Luke Bairstow said he would love to see him make an eventual return.

"It'd be great to see him with the colours back on again," Bairstow said.

" The whole town, the footy club — we're immensely proud. "

He said Fyfe never lost sight of his country beginnings, and he was hopeful the local community would find a way to pay tribute.

"Even before Brownlow time, he'd always be back," he said.

"We had the banner on the pub for 2015, so I'm sure there'll be something between the footy club and the shire."

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