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AAP
AAP
Justin Chadwick

Dockers back wayward Fyfe to find the big sticks

Nat Fyfe lacks confidence in front of goal, but his coach is backing him to break out of his funk. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir concedes Nat Fyfe is lacking confidence in front of goal, but he is backing the two-time Brownlow medallist to break out of his funk.

Fyfe has been a revelation in the midfield this season, with his work in the trenches helping Fremantle become an elite clearance team.

But the sight of the goal sticks has proven to be the AFL's version of kryptonite for Fyfe, with the 32-year-old kicking a wayward 2.4 so far this season - and some other shots not even registering a score.

"He just needs to get a couple away," Longmuir said.

"He's probably lacking a bit of confidence inside forward-50. 

"He's doing a lot of work on it. He's nailing them at training. He's feeling really confident at training.

"It won't be long before that transfers."

Fyfe wasn't the only one who struggled in last week's 48-point loss to Sydney. At one point, the Dockers had 1.10 on the scoreboard compared with Sydney's 10.1.

The Swans went on to win the match 13.9 (87) to 4.15 (39).

Fremantle have kicked 99.101 this season, making them one of the most inaccurate teams in the league.

Longmuir stressed that the problem isn't as big as it seems, and it's an area his players are working hard on.

"It's not always set shots," he said.

"We can definitely find shots from better areas.

"It's probably the snaps and making the most of the half-chances as well.

"We don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill and we don't want to blow this up and everyone rush their shots and feel the pressure. 

"We just want to make sure ... we're developing individuals in certain areas of the game to finish better."

Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy, who missed last week with a calf niggle, is no certainty to return for Saturday night's clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

Darcy has played just three games since round 18 last year, with ankle and knee injuries hampering his progress before his recent calf complaint.

"Before he got injured last year, he was playing at his best, and he was challenging to be one of the best rucks in the comp," Longmuir said.

"We need our best players out there as often as we can. It's frustrating for him, frustrating for us.

"Losing someone of his stature, it does change the structure of our team.

"That's why we're not going to take any risks - we're going to make sure he's cherry-ripe, and when he comes back in we want him to stay in and get some continuity."

Fremantle players carried a huge emotional weight during the match against Sydney given it was played just a day after the tragic death of former Docker Cam McCarthy at the age of 29.

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