Much has been made of Fremantle captain, Nat Fyfe's patchy form since returning from injury this season. However, it has now been revealed the 2015 Brownlow Medalist has been battling through a chest injury for the past month.
WAToday has reported that Fyfe has been forced to play with a protective guard on his chest, after enduring agonising pain due to severe bruising high in his chest cavity.
It is unsure if Fyfe sustained the bruising through one hit, or whether it accumulate over time from several heavy knocks.
Fyfe collected just 18 disposals in Fremantle's heavy loss to Brisbane on the weekend. However, he has still managed to average 25 disposals per game this season. But it is significantly down on his Brownlow winning year of 2015, in which he averaged 29 disposals per game and kicked 17 goals.
The 25-year-old has also reportedly battled bruising in his thighs.
The Dockers have the a much needed break with the bye this week, before travelling to Geelong to take on the Cats at Simonds Stadium in Round 14.