Fremantle Dockers Veteran Nat Fyfe Reveals Trip to India on ‘Healing Journey’ Has Saved His Career
Fremantle Dockers star Nat Fyfe has revealed that a transformative trip to India was instrumental in helping him overcome a series of persistent injuries and regain his confidence. After enduring four consecutive injury-ridden seasons, Fyfe, a two-time Brownlow medallist, managed to rediscover his form and deliver a stellar performance against the Western Bulldogs, showcasing his rejuvenated skills. With 37 disposals, seven clearances, one goal, and 443 meters gained in the 14.11 (95) to 10.11 (71) victory, Fyfe’s game marked his highest possession count since 2019, signaling a potential turning point in his career.
The veteran AFL midfielder had struggled in recent years to find consistency due to recurring injuries that affected his performance and mental outlook. Reflecting on his trip to India, Fyfe shared insights about the unconventional treatments that played a role in his healing process. “I lost a lot of confidence. It felt like I was trying absolutely everything… Western medicine got to the end of that,” Fyfe told Channel 7 after the match. “So I started to look at things differently with my body. Went to India, did a bunch of things over there, and found a few people here in Perth who are helping me on my healing journey and helping me to get more confidence with my body, which helps my craft.”
When asked about the specific treatments he received, Fyfe was coy about the details, revealing only a glimpse of the holistic approach he encountered. “I walked into a physio practice to have a look at my foot. I said, ‘I have a sore foot.’ The lady said, ‘Lift your right arm.’ I said, ‘That’s a bit weird.’” From there, Fyfe began to understand how interconnected the body is and how trauma and pain can be stored and manifest in various parts of the body. “The difference between injury and pain and how they are different things… On the back of that, it just revolutionised the way I looked at my body.”
Fyfe’s comments suggest that the experience in India prompted a shift in how he views and manages his physical condition, integrating both physical and mental aspects into his rehabilitation. The result has been evident in his recent performances, which reflect not just improved physical health but also a renewed sense of confidence on the field. Dockers coach Justin Longmuir was particularly impressed with Fyfe’s efforts, highlighting the veteran’s impact. “We’ve seen snippets of it and quarters of it,” Longmuir said. “But his body of work since day one of pre-season has been phenomenal… His ability to bring his teammates into the game and make his possessions contribute to us hitting the scoreboard was really, really good.”
Fyfe’s trip to India appears to have offered more than just physical healing; it has restored a sense of purpose and resilience that was missing in recent seasons. “It’s good to see him get rewarded for all the persistence and all the effort,” Longmuir added. “He just wants to be a part of a successful team. And he’s doing everything he can to be able to help build a successful team.” With Fyfe now healthy and playing with a renewed vigor, his journey to India has not only revitalized his career but also given hope to the Dockers and their supporters for what the future might hold.
As Fyfe continues to excel, fans and teammates alike are eager to see if he can maintain this level of performance throughout the rest of the season. While the details of his unconventional treatments remain largely undisclosed, the impact of his “healing journey” is undeniable, potentially setting a precedent for other athletes dealing with chronic injuries. For now, the Fremantle star is enjoying his resurgence and relishing the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to his team’s success once again.
