New Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe admits he felt a tad jealous of Patrick Dangerfield last year and can't wait to renew acquaintances in what shapes as a mouthwatering round-one showdown.
Fyfe, the 2015 Brownlow medallist, played just five games last season before breaking his leg for a second time.
It meant he could only watch from the sidelines as Dangerfield compiled one of the greatest individual seasons ever seen in AFL ranks to win the Brownlow medal with a record 35 votes.
Fyfe is back fit and firing and gets the chance to go head-to-head with Dangerfield in Fremantle's season opener against Geelong in Perth on March 26.
"I have to admit I do like the spice of playing with Patrick," Fyfe said at Fremantle's season launch on Thursday.
"I watched on with a bit of jealousy last year the way he went about his footy. I'm pretty intent to renew acquaintances."
The last time Fyfe and Dangerfield locked horns, it was widely regarded one of the game's classic head-to-head midfield battles.
Dangerfield tallied 38 disposals, nine clearances and a goal for the Crows, while Fyfe bettered him with 40 touches, 14 clearances and a goal as Fremantle notched an 11-point win.
Dockers veteran Danyle Pearce says that battle still stands out in his mind and he can't wait for the re-match.
"On the field you could feel it was happening that they were going head to head," Pearce said.
"Fyfe is a once-in-a-lifetime talent and same with Dangerfield.
"Fyfe's now fitter, he's stronger and Dangerfield is a beast. It's going to be a great battle and I'm looking forward to it."
Two leg breaks within the space of a year has cast some doubt on Fyfe's durability.
Dockers coach Ross Lyon says Fyfe has trained hard over summer and is hungrier.
"We understand Nathan's had some real injury setbacks. It's been a summer - not of redemption for Nathan - but he understands the landscape keeps moving," Lyon said.
"He went to the Brownlow, he saw a new Brownlow medallist, and he saw two new grand final teams.
"His thirst to get back to the top of the mountain has been reflected in his training, where he's hit top five in the metrics every session."
The Dockers won just four games last season.
Lyon says the team's goal is to play finals in 2017 but he's not in a position to make any promises given the club has now embarked on a four-year rebuild.
The Dockers will have their final pre-season tune-up when they host Carlton at Domain Stadium on Friday night.
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