AAP3 minute read
Fremantle AFLMore Superstar Nat Fife revealed last year that he has been battling depression and anxiety after a series of injuries took a toll on his mental health.
Fyfe stepped down as Dockers captain this week after six seasons, with the club yet to announce a replacement.
The decision comes after a season in which the two-time Brownlow Medal winner missed just seven games with shoulder, back and hamstring injuries.
Fyfe has been on the sidelines as the Dockers break through a seven-year finals drought, but on Saturday made it clear that his struggle lies much deeper than the surface.
Fife told ABC Radio, “The injuries that were happening outside were only a small reflection of what was going on inside.
“I had to deal with a lot.
“I have looked closely at some of the ailments that we all face in life, such as anxiety, depression, and those inner emotional ones, and it came out as an injury.
“I broke my shoulder and got an infection, then did my back and then multiple hamstrings.
“I was fired internally and was fighting to get over it. And I just kept falling apart.”
Fyfe is in shape again and says he has a fresh outlook as the 2023 season approaches.
The 209-match champion described his experience throughout 2022 as a “deep educational environment” that has made him more resilient ahead of his 14th season at the top level. .
“If you can get over it, find resilience from there and get out on the other side. I feel like that’s the energy I need for the back end of my career,” Phife said.
“Past accolades were stale. I’ve only had enough time to be a two-time Brownlow medalist for a few years now.
“They were starting to become obsolete, and I had no energy or motivation.
With young players like Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Thelong taking the reins in the engine room and the Dockers midfield evolving, Fife will continue to spend more time on attack this season.
The forward-line role puts the spotlight on Fife’s goal kick that disappointed him again.
He said he is experimenting with new training techniques to improve his accuracy.
“It’s my ultimate strength when it all lines up, but it can tear me apart when things go wrong,” Phife said.
“This preseason we’re working with a few more different people to help us navigate those inner voices and fears and how to connect with stress and put ourselves in the best mindset and position. Shot. ”
