Nat Fyfe feels he’s playing more of a ‘mature role’ that he hopes will keep him playing regular football every week, even if it keeps him out of the highlight reels.

The Fremantle captain, who was this week nominated for Mark of the Year, said he was in fact looking to play less of a high-flying game.

Despite this change of mindset, Fyfe has continued to be one of Fremantle’s best performers, coming off a 23 contested possession and two goal effort in Fremantle’s 34-point win against Geelong.

“I think statistically, there are some comparisons (to Fyfe’s 2015 Brownlow-winning season) but I’m playing a much different role,” Fyfe said on Triple M on Sunday.

“It’s a lot less box office, I’m playing what I would consider a two-way role where I’m trying to be defensively minded on opposition midfielders. I don’t fly for as many high marks as I don’t want to get injured.

“I’m trying to be a bit more of a mature player. It might not look as flash on the highlight reel but I think I’m a more effective player across the season and I’m trying to be a bit more dynamic with my kicking and making the right decisions.

“I think this is an improved model, although it might not be as exciting or glamorous to watch.”

Fyfe hopes this more defensive and team orientated role will also lead to less injuries and more game time.

“After I broke my leg twice and then had a major hamstring at the end of lest year, (I felt) that my most valuable commodity to this footy club is being on the park every week,” Fyfe said.

“It’s a bit of having a mature head and understanding that I just have to take some considered steps to make sure I get through every game.

“As the captain, naturally, you start to think more for the team and what’s best for the team.

“If that means that I have to play a shut down role on one of their key mids for a quarter or a half a game, then I’m more than happy to do that.

“I’m not trying to go away from my key strengths, which is always going to be hunting the ball, but just having a little more balance to the way I prepare and play.”