BROWNLOW medallist Nat Fyfe says playing forward more in 2016 is “a natural progression” as the Dockers search for more potency.

Fyfe has been arguably the competition's most dominant contested midfielder over the past two seasons.

He has kicked 43 goals in his last 40 games despite spending more than 80 per cent of his time in the midfield.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon has already hinted that Fyfe could play up to 50 per cent forward this season to utilise his strength and contested marking ability inside 50.

Fyfe told the Dockers' website on Thursday that moving into the forward line was a logical step for both he and the team.

"That's a natural progression," Fyfe said.

"I like playing as a forward. We need to kick more goals. So where I can I'll try and get forward and isolate myself and really build into the forward structure that we've got going.

"We've had some real improvement come from our forwards so far this pre-season."

Fyfe spent time playing forward in the Dockers' match simulation session last week.

He was drafted as a marking half-forward from Claremont and played forward in the early stages of his career at Fremantle.

But Fyfe's progression into an elite midfielder has seen him move away from the forward line in recent years.

Following another outstanding season where he won the Brownlow and a second consecutive AFL Players' Association MVP award, Fyfe said he needed to continue to improve as a player.

"It doesn't get any easier," Fyfe said.

"I've got to continue to stay (on top of) my game and have my preparation at the absolute utmost. That way the rest of the competition doesn't catch up and swallow me. I'll (stay) diligent, keep trying to improve every aspect of my game and keep trying to stack performances."

Fyfe is in the Dockers' squad for their first NAB Challenge clash against Richmond on Friday in Mandurah, hoping to get some valuable match fitness under his belt after a slightly interrupted pre-season coming off his broken leg last September.