The Fremantle Dockers have thrown their full support behind superstar Nat Fyfe after the club captain was cleared of any wrongdoing following a police investigation.
Perth residents are currently banned from leaving the city’s metropolitan areas under strict coronavirus protocols.
Western Australia police on Thursday launched an investigation after the dual Brownlow Medal winner was photographed surfing near Margaret River, around three hours south of Perth.
WA premier declared Fyfe’s actions ‘not a good look’ while the state’s Police Commissioner Chris Dawson also took a swipe at the Dockers star upon announcing the probe on Thursday.
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But the 28-year-old was promptly cleared after it was confirmed he has an exemption note due to his recent work driving a truck for his family’s Lake Grace-based transport company.
And the Dockers came out in strong support of Fyfe on Thursday night in a club statement.
“With the appropriate exemption notice Nat has, for the past two-and-a-half weeks, been driving a truck for his family’s transport business, including carting lime out of Margaret River,” Dockers CEO Simon Garlick said.
“Our understanding is that if you are approved to be in a different region for a period for legitimate work purposes then you can exercise in that region in accordance with the guidelines.
“Nat has been following all the regulations and guidelines regarding social distancing since they have been released and frequently updated, as everyone is endeavouring to do.
“As a club we are encouraging our players to do whatever they can to keep occupied while the season is suspended, including working hard in an operating business as Nat has been doing.
“We also require that our players maintain a high level of fitness and general well-being during this downtime by following a daily exercise regime.
“The club categorically supports Nat’s decision making throughout this episode. He understood he was doing so in accordance with all current responsible practices regarding social distancing.
“As a club we are fully supportive of all of the Government regulations that have been introduced to reduce the spread of Covid-19.”
