Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe is not far away from lifting a gear at training, as he completes the rehabilitation phase of his shoulder reconstruction.

The 28-year-old is being managed leading up to the Christmas break, and will resume full contact drills in the New Year. 

“I’m just starting my contact progression now,” Fyfe said.

“I had a posterior shoulder reconstruction, I’m in week 13 of a 14-week rehab, but the plan will be to progress leading into Christmas and be back into full contact drills post-Christmas.

“We’re all pretty competitive, and once the footy’s are out we always want to get involved, so I’ll be managed up until Christmas and rip into it after that.”

Fyfe said the 2019 season brought a refreshed approach to his football, splitting more of his time between the midfield and forward line.

“I think age and wisdom has taught me that I can’t bash and crash for 22 games,” Fyfe said.

“I managed to play 20 games last year with a different philosophy on how I attack contested ball and part of that is resting forward where there is not as much contact. 

“We’ve got players like Brett Bewley, Adam Cerra, Andy Brayshaw and Darcy Tucker who are moving through our midfield now.

“They have big developed bodies and can take the brunt of that load.

“Players like David Mundy, Michael Walters and myself can be a bit more sparing.