Former Fremantle captain Shaun McManus has called on the football world to trust Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe after rumours of a departure to St Kilda sent the AFL into a spin yesterday.

Perth breakfast radio host Brad Fitzgerald dropped a bombshell on 96FM, saying Fyfe would join the Saints on a deal worth $1.5 million per season.

“I have it on extremely good authority that not only is there an offer on the table from St Kilda, the offer is worth $1.5 million a season and it is, as far as legally wise, virtually accepted,” Fitzgerald said.

“He can’t sign yet, but it’s basically a done deal and he is going to St Kilda. I can’t name names but this is coming from a high ranking, I’ll just say board member.”

Fyfe’s manager Jason Dover rubbished the claims, describing them as “100 per cent” false. It is understood Dover has not spoken with Saints list manager Ameet Bains since Christmas.

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St Kilda coach Alan Richardson last night described the claims as “laughable” on Fox Footy’s AFL360.

Fyfe has repeatedly said he sees his future at the Dockers. When questioned last month about it he said if his contractual status became a distraction “I will look to get something done”.

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McManus, who captained the club for two seasons during his 228-game career, said Fyfe deserved to be taken at his word.

“I’ve got no doubt that Nat Fyfe will be at Freo,” McManus said.

“I totally trust what he’s saying about his contract and when he will deal with it. If it doesn’t happen, people can rightly hold a grudge.

"But you’ve got to trust him at his word. He’s answered everything every time he’s been asked and he’s been happy to take it on the chin.”

The West Australian understands Fyfe’s management has committed to dealing with Fremantle first.

McManus said there were plenty of similarities between Fyfe and ex-champion Matthew Pavlich. The South Australian refused to be rushed into signing contracts but played his entire career with the Dockers despite constant speculation that he would return home. McManus expected Fyfe would follow the same path.

“Every time Pav was out of contract, he waited and signed when all the ducks were in a row,” McManus said.

“Sometimes I wondered if Pav would go, but he stayed. He was true to his word. He waited until the end of the season, discussed what needed to be discussed and made the right decision for him.

“I’m sure Fyfey will do the same.”

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Former Fremantle captain, coach and board member Ben Allan said the speculation would have no impact on Fyfe or the club.

“Good football clubs and good managers aren’t influenced by these things. They stay the course and stick true to the plan,” Allan said.

“I don’t think this would be a distraction at all. If you start reacting to stories like that, then you have to question yourself.”

Fyfe is a restricted free agent, which means the Dockers can match any offer he receives from a rival club and force him to seek a trade. Fyfe’s management company was emphatic that the speculation was inaccurate.

“Stride Sports Management can 100 per cent deny the rumour circulating today that Nat Fyfe has formally or informally agreed to a contract to play with the St Kilda Football Club next year and beyond,” the statement said.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to encourage the football public to check the credibility of their news and the person behind it.”

Fyfe is free to play against Essendon at Domain Stadium on Sunday after he was fined $1000 for striking West Coast’s Elliot Yeo in Saturday night’s derby.