NAT FYFE won't rush to re-sign with Fremantle in the wake of his appointment as captain.

Fyfe was named as Freo skipper on Tuesday afternoon, replacing David Mundy after serving as vice-captain last year.

Although Fyfe's appointment clearly won't hurt Fremantle's bid to re-sign the free agent, the 25-year-old has yet to open official talks with the Dockers and has no plans to do so until the home and away season has started.

During his first media conference as skipper, Fyfe said he wanted to be part of Freo's first premiership but added that taking on the captaincy wasn't any indication about his playing future.

"I don't think this is an indication at all. I said publicly last year that I see my future as playing footy for Fremantle," Fyfe said.

"I've got to focus on primarily on getting myself back and playing good footy this year and the contract stuff will take care of itself.

"But I have said publicly nothing has changed and I want to play my football at Fremantle."

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Given Fyfe is coming off consecutive left leg fractures, it is also likely he will want to get some games under his belt – and return to form – before broaching his football future. 

Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich said this week the captaincy decision was "irrelevant" to the club's negotiations with Fyfe, while the 2015 Brownlow medallist is believed to be more focused on the club's on-field prospects this season and beyond. 

The West Australian is the biggest name in this year's free agency pool and could attract rival offers of more than $1 million a season, with Victorian clubs such as Carlton and St Kilda believed to have the salary cap space to land big fish in this year's player exchange period. 

Nonetheless, Fremantle appears well placed to retain Fyfe.

The Dockers' bid to do so will be strengthened by Fyfe's restricted free agency status. This gives Freo the right to match any opposition offer dangled in front of their captain, while the club is also believed to have the Total Player Payments room to exercise this right if required.

Rival clubs told AFL.com.au they felt Fyfe was unlikely to leave Fremantle.

The 190cm midfielder played just the first five rounds last season but has enjoyed an outstanding pre-season and is confident his leg problems are behind him.

While Fyfe has assumed the captaincy after an intense summer of speculation that he would challenge Mundy for the role, he insisted the pair have a strong relationship and that he would lean on his midfield teammate for support in 2017.

"He was the first person to extend a hand and say congratulations," Fyfe said.

"I will lean on David heavily over the first part of the role, but (also) going forward because his leadership is something that I really value.

"His role won't be diminished in the group."

During Freo's disastrous 2016 campaign, Mundy admitted that Fyfe's "demanding" leadership style may have put some Dockers offside amid rumours of a rift with teammates, but Fyfe dismissed the speculation.

"Internally there was really no acknowledgement of anything like that going on," he said.

"We're a galvanised group that went through a tough 12-month period. Internally, I can honestly say that we've never been closer and that any speculation brewing on the outside wasn’t acknowledged."

Fyfe won't alter his leadership style, and said getting back to his best form on gameday was crucial for him to lead from the front.

"I won't change anything," he said.

"Another 12 months has given me more opportunities to learn and gather some more information and wisdom on the best way to approach leadership.

"More than anything I know I need to be playing really good football and that's how I'll be able to lead in the best possible way."