They are the dynamic duo that Fremantle might have been able to build a dynasty around.

Instead, gifted West Australian midfielders Nat Fyfe and Anthony Morabito played just 21 games together and fans were denied the chance to see them combine at the peak of their powers.

Morabito has now retired from all levels of football after his AFL career was cut short following three knee reconstructions and has completed a commerce degree at Curtin University.

Fyfe, drafted 16 spots behind Morabito at No.20 in the 2009 national draft, is entering his second season as captain of the Dockers and after 138 games has a glittering trophy cabinet that includes a Brownlow, two AFLPA MVP awards and two Doig medals.

Having signed the longest deal in Fremantle’s history until the end of 2023, Fyfe remains good mates with Morabito and said the ex-Docker was never far from his thoughts.

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

“Anthony is a close friend of mine who I constantly use as a perspective and reference point for where my career has gone and where he’s at,” Fyfe said.

“I consider myself very lucky and rarely forget that we both started right next to each other.”

Your cookie settings are preventing this third party content from displaying. If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide.

Morabito played 23 of 24 possible games for the Dockers in his debut season in 2010, only missing the round 21 game when Mark Harvey played a B-team.

While he played as a burst player with regular stints on the bench, he became known for his explosive speed and long kicking.

Morabito was ranked No.1 at the club for metres gained per disposal in his debut season and was a rising star nominee in round 22 before he kicked a memorable running goal in the elimination final against Hawthorn at Subiaco Oval. He was just 18 at the time but it would be the second-last goal he would kick in the AFL.

“I will always remember the year that he had as an 18-year-old and what he potentially could have done,” Fyfe said.

Fyfe was philosophical when asked how frustrating it was to see Harley Bennell put his career at risk through his own behaviour when Morabito had his snatched away.

“That’s just part and parcel of life as a human,” he said. “There are going to be circumstances and people and opportunities missed and situations that are beyond the control of me, or that will pass us by.”