Nat Fyfe, Griffin Logue set to play forward against Richmond as Travis Colyer named Fremantle Dockers’ sub

In his first Friday night game since he became a Brownlow Medallist in 2015, Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe will play “majority forward” against Richmond.

Fremantle head of football operations Bob Murphy has flagged the move as the Dockers prepare for their first standalone Friday night fixture since 2016.

Fyfe started last weekend’s loss to Sydney in midfield and spent most of the night in the ‘office’, but finished with just one kick.

The Dockers captain is likely to join Griffin Logue in moving forward to help fill the void left by the injured Rory Lobb, who was left behind in Perth as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

Murphy said Fyfe’s best position hasn’t “found its final resting place” and will continue to develop through the final five rounds of the season.

Camera Icon Fyfe warms up ahead of the clash with Richmond. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“He’s been forward and he mixes it up in the stoppages,” Murphy told SEN pre-game.

“He’s such a beast around the middle of the ground and in the chaos, but he has had three or four games back, so he will play majority forward, but I expect him as we go in the next month to insert himself more and more in the midfield.”

The return of important key defender Alex Pearce for the first time since a pre-game calf injury against St Kilda a fortnight ago allows the Dockers to swing Logue forward as speculation rages around his future.

Fremantle midfield line coach Josh Carr said the club was confident Logue, who was practising his set shot during the warm-up, could provide them a contest inside 50.

“We’ve got a like-for-like, Griffin Logue will go forward and give us that contest up forward,” he told Fox Footy.

“We are (confident he can get the job done). We think every time he’s up there he’s player his role, he’s given us a contest and influenced our forward structure.

“We think it’s a positive move having him forward.”

Veteran speedster Travis Colyer has been named as medical substitute for the Marvel Stadium clash.

Colyer, who has played all bar one game this season when he missed due to COVID protocols, has lost his spot in the 22 of favour of youngster Liam Henry.

Henry is back for the first time since hurting his hamstring against Carlton in round 17, rewarded for a strong performance for Peel Thunder in the WAFL on Saturday.

Camera Icon Liam Henry has returned to the Dockers side in place of Travis Colyer. Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Midfielder Mitch Crowden, one of two travelling emergencies, will fly back early to play for the Thunder against Perth at Mineral Resources Park.

Crowden was among the Thunder’s best in their win over Subiaco last week, amassing a team-high 31 disposals.

He will be one of 13 Fremantle-listed players to line up for their WAFL affiliate.

Neither the Dockers or Richmond made a late change with the home side opting for goalsneak Maurice Rioli Jnr as their sub.