Fremantle are set to hold fire on Nat Fyfe despite being humbled at the clearances by Sydney and slumping to a worrying 0-2 record.
Fyfe endured an injury-interrupted summer, and has spent the past two weeks playing for Peel Thunder in WAFL practice matches in a bid to boost his fitness.
In the meantime, Fremantle have slipped to losses to Geelong and Sydney, leaving them at 0-2 heading into Sunday's western derby against West Coast.
Fyfe played two quarters in the first WAFL practice match and three quarters last week.
His absence at AFL level was keenly felt on Sunday when Fremantle lost the clearance count 37-25 in a heartbreaking three-point defeat - 9.14 (68) to 9.11 (65) - against Sydney.
Fyfe, a two-time Brownlow medallist, has built his career on being a big-bodied clearance king.
But Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir hinted he will give the 33-year-old a bit more time at WAFL level before picking him for the senior side.
"We won't rush him," Longmuir said.
"It's a balance between getting him in the senior side for his experience and making sure his body is resilient and can handle the full game of AFL.
"And not just one game of AFL, but continue to handle the rest of the year.
"We want to make sure when he comes in, his fitness is up to the level and he's at a level where he can pull up well after each game, but also making sure he's confident in his footy as well."
Star Dockers recruit Shai Bolton looked rusty in his first game for his new club, finishing with 15 disposals and four clearances against the Swans.
Bolton missed the 78-point loss to Geelong with a leg injury, and Longmuir is confident the former Tigers star will continue to improve as the weeks roll on.
"Whatever he put out there today he is going to build off," Longmuir said.
"He's come off a pretty low base. He hasn't had a great run in into his first game, so hopefully he pulls up well."
Fremantle are worried about the fitness of Brandon Walker after the defender dislocated his left shoulder against the Swans.
The Eagles followed up their 87-point loss to Gold Coast with a fighting 19-point defeat to Brisbane at the Gabba.
Eagles midfielder Tim Kelly finished with 29 disposals and six clearances, while Liam Baker tallied 24 disposals and six clearances.
Kelly was limited to just 14 disposals and four clearances in the loss to Gold Coast, and West Coast coach Andrew McQualter felt like the 30-year-old redeemed himself against the Lions. If you have any issues regarding where by and how to use THE PRIVE QUOTATION, you can get in touch with us at our own website.
"Tim was disappointed with his performance,' McQualter said.
"During that review, I could see the steely resolve. That was real and I knew on Tuesday he was going to bounce back."
Fyfe endured an injury-interrupted summer, and has spent the past two weeks playing for Peel Thunder in WAFL practice matches in a bid to boost his fitness.
In the meantime, Fremantle have slipped to losses to Geelong and Sydney, leaving them at 0-2 heading into Sunday's western derby against West Coast.
Fyfe played two quarters in the first WAFL practice match and three quarters last week.
His absence at AFL level was keenly felt on Sunday when Fremantle lost the clearance count 37-25 in a heartbreaking three-point defeat - 9.14 (68) to 9.11 (65) - against Sydney.
Fyfe, a two-time Brownlow medallist, has built his career on being a big-bodied clearance king.But Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir hinted he will give the 33-year-old a bit more time at WAFL level before picking him for the senior side.
"We won't rush him," Longmuir said.
"It's a balance between getting him in the senior side for his experience and making sure his body is resilient and can handle the full game of AFL.
"And not just one game of AFL, but continue to handle the rest of the year.
"We want to make sure when he comes in, his fitness is up to the level and he's at a level where he can pull up well after each game, but also making sure he's confident in his footy as well."
Star Dockers recruit Shai Bolton looked rusty in his first game for his new club, finishing with 15 disposals and four clearances against the Swans.
Bolton missed the 78-point loss to Geelong with a leg injury, and Longmuir is confident the former Tigers star will continue to improve as the weeks roll on.
"Whatever he put out there today he is going to build off," Longmuir said.
"He's come off a pretty low base. He hasn't had a great run in into his first game, so hopefully he pulls up well."
Fremantle are worried about the fitness of Brandon Walker after the defender dislocated his left shoulder against the Swans.
The Eagles followed up their 87-point loss to Gold Coast with a fighting 19-point defeat to Brisbane at the Gabba.
Eagles midfielder Tim Kelly finished with 29 disposals and six clearances, while Liam Baker tallied 24 disposals and six clearances.
Kelly was limited to just 14 disposals and four clearances in the loss to Gold Coast, and West Coast coach Andrew McQualter felt like the 30-year-old redeemed himself against the Lions. If you have any issues regarding where by and how to use THE PRIVE QUOTATION, you can get in touch with us at our own website.
"Tim was disappointed with his performance,' McQualter said.
"During that review, I could see the steely resolve. That was real and I knew on Tuesday he was going to bounce back."
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