Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is adamant the AFL return of Nat Fyfe wasn't the reason behind Will Brodie's quiet game in Saturday's 13-point AFL win over Hawthorn.
Brodie has been a revelation for the Dockers since crossing from Gold Coast at the end of last year, with his ability to extract the ball from the clinches and fire off a handball proving crucial to the team's hot 10-3 start.
The 23-year-old entered Saturday's match averaging 27.7 possessions and 6.8 clearances per game.
But against the Hawks, Brodie was restricted to 21 disposals and two clearances in one of his quietest games for the Dockers.
Longmuir doesn't think Fyfe's presence was the reason behind Brodie's lower output.
"It had nothing to do with Nat," Longmuir said.
"Will's role didn't change much. He just had a game where he didn't impact as much as he has.
"I think we had a lot of players that didn't impact the game like they would have wanted to.
"We discussed that at halftime. Some of our players lifted in the second half and that's a good sign.
"I don't think what happened today was on the back of (Fyfe) coming into the team."
Fyfe spent equal time in the midfield and attack in his first game back, finishing with 21 disposals, five clearances, and one goal.
Longmuir will continue to experiment to find the right mix for where Fyfe plays.
"We aimed for 50-50, and we'll keep exploring different ways to improve that and get the percentage right and help him have a bit more impact on the game," Longmuir said.
"There were times we needed him on the ball when we were getting beaten in the clearances.
"There were times he put himself forward because he felt that's where he could have the most impact.
"We'll keep exploring that and find ways he can have more flexibility in his role."
Wingman Blake Acres is set for a stint on the sidelines after tearing his right hamstring in the final quarter.
It was the same hamstring Acres tore in 2020, and he was in tears on the bench.
Longmuir is hopeful the injury isn't serious, and said Acres' hot form this season meant he was a strong chance to slot straight back into the side when he's fit to return.
"Runs on the board count for something when players come back from injury, and he has had a really good start to the season," Longmuir said.
"We'll reward that, I would imagine."
