Perth, August 30, 2025 – As Fremantle Dockers midfielder Caleb Serong prepares for a crucial elimination final at Optus Stadium this weekend, the 23-year-old star has shared his deep emotional connection to teammate and retiring captain Nat Fyfe. Serong, who has emerged as one of the AFL’s premier ball-winners, is determined to deliver a performance that honors Fyfe’s legendary career, particularly in what could be the veteran’s final game on home soil.
The Dockers secured their spot in the finals with a hard-fought 15-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in round 24 at Marvel Stadium, setting up an elimination clash against an opponent yet to be determined. This home final at Perth Stadium—known to fans as Optus Stadium—offers a poignant opportunity for Fyfe, the two-time Brownlow Medalist and Fremantle icon, to bid farewell to the venue where he has created countless memories since its opening in 2018.
Serong’s sentiments stem from a heartbreaking moment in round 23, when Fremantle suffered a 57-point thrashing by Brisbane Lions at the same stadium. In the aftermath, Fyfe was given a guard of honor by both teams and took a lap around the ground to salute the Purple Army supporters, raising fears it might mark his last appearance there. “It hurt a fair bit individually for me,” Serong told ABC Perth’s Sports Talk program. “Seeing him do the lap and stuff and thinking, ‘wow, this could be his last game at home and we’ve put on that display’, that hurt pretty deep. I thought he deserved a lot more, so it means a lot that we can get back and play at home in front of our fans.”
Fyfe, 33, announced earlier this year that 2025 would be his final season after 14 years with the club, during which he has played 227 games, won two Brownlows (2015 and 2019), and earned three All-Australian selections. Despite injury setbacks in recent years, Fyfe has been a mentor to Fremantle’s young core, including Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, and others. Serong, drafted eighth overall in 2019, credits Fyfe for shaping his development. “He’s a beast,” Serong said in a pre-season interview, highlighting Fyfe’s influence in training and leadership. The pair has shared the midfield, with memorable moments like their combined 74 disposals in a 2024 win over the Bulldogs, where Fyfe produced a vintage 37-touch performance.
Serong himself has had a stellar 2025 campaign, earning his third consecutive All-Australian blazer and winning his second Doig Medal as Fremantle’s best and fairest in 2024, joining Fyfe among the club’s elite. In round three, he equaled a club record with his fourth Glendinning-Allan Medal in the Western Derby. He broke the AFL record for consecutive games with 20-plus disposals (71) earlier this season and continues to average elite numbers, often exceeding 30 disposals per game. Recently, Serong captured his second Geoff Christian Medal, recognizing his standout form.
The midfielder has faced increased scrutiny this year, including constant tagging, but remains unfazed. “I can’t have these lofty goals and set myself a high standard… and not expect that along the way… that attention and difficulty is not going to come,” he said. “I know it’s going to make me a better footballer in the long run.” Serong draws guidance from Fyfe, Brayshaw, and coach Justin Longmuir, while leaning on sports psychologist Jonah Oliver and his off-field hobby of building LEGO models to maintain focus. “We’ve turned the study into a bit of a LEGO room,” he revealed, noting a new set awaits post-finals.
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir remains optimistic about the team’s finals push, emphasizing preparation and review processes. “That’s the way that we prepare every week,” Serong echoed, underscoring the group’s resilience after the Brisbane loss. Longmuir has managed Fyfe’s minutes carefully, ensuring the captain is fresh for key moments, much like his impactful sub appearance in round 23 where he tallied eight disposals in the final quarter.
For Serong, the upcoming match is more than a bid for survival—it’s a tribute to a mentor who has walked taller beside him since his debut days. “I’ll be trying to pick his brain as much as possible and learn as much as I can,” Serong said early in his career, a philosophy that persists. As Fremantle eyes a deep finals run, the Dockers’ faithful at Perth Stadium will hope for a send-off worthy of their champion, with Serong leading the charge.
The elimination final, scheduled for the weekend, promises high stakes as Fremantle aims to extend Fyfe’s career and build on their strong home record at the state-of-the-art venue, which Fyfe once hailed as “the best footy venue in Australia.”