Dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe has urged his teammates to embrace and enjoy the pressure of finals footy, saying they should always remember that it is a privilege to play in September.

Fyfe is preparing for his first AFL final since 2015 and could have a fairytale finish to his incredible career after announcing his retirement last month.

Coach Justin Longmuir asked Fyfe to speak to the team last week and his powerful finals message has resonated with the group.

“He said it is an experience to enjoy. Don’t fear it. It’s a privilege to be able to play in these situations so tuck it under the wing and have a go,” defender Jordan Clark explained.

“Fyfey was very balanced with how he looked at it. He said as the stakes rise, the game still asks the same questions of you.

“It’ll ask the same questions as it did in round 10, round 12 and round 15 and your role doesn’t change. You don’t have to do any more than you’ve done for 23 games this year. You just rock up and play your role because our 23 roles on game day come together and it makes us a pretty good football team.

“He touched on that a few years ago when he was in his prime. 10 years ago when he played those finals, he felt like he had to be the guy that carried Freo over the line.

“He’s sort of flipped his mindset now and enjoys being a part of it. He doesn’t have to be the main man, he just plays a small part in helping us to try and chase that elusive premiership or win a final.

“I think he enjoys sitting back as a proud older brother. I just love having him a part of it. Whether he’s out on the oval and playing, on the bench or he’s in the coach’s box, he has such a great presence and influence on our group.

“He’s one person I really look up to on this list. I don’t take him for granted around the club at all.”

Energy levels were high during training on Monday but small forward Sam Switkowski was nowhere to be seen as he attempts to recover from a knee injury. Corey Wagner was supporting his team despite his right arm being in a sling following a serious pectorial injury.

Nathan O’Driscoll did extra work after the midfield group had finished as he pushes for a recall for Saturday night’s clash against Gold Coast.

Clark said the team had shown this season that they were ready to step up when big moments arrive.

“Every time there’s been an opportunity to galvanise this group, we’ve come together even better and stronger,” he said.

“It’s something we seem to enjoy. When it gets hard, they’re the best times to come together and wins games of football. The tough stuff is what you remember.”