2015 Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe has paid tribute to Sydney Swans champ Brett Kirk, thanking him for his guidance and support during his time as an assistant coach at Fremantle.

Kirk departed the Dockers on Sunday and announced he’d be returning home to take up a new role on the Swans’ coaching panel.

The Swans’ premiership player has been a key mentor to Fyfe since arriving in Perth at the start of the 2013 season.

Fyfe became the Dockers’ first Brownlow Medallist, polling 31 votes during Monday night’s count to win the prestigious award ahead of West Coast’s Matt Priddis (27 votes) and Hawthorn’s Sam Mitchell (26).

The 24-year-old midfielder made special mention to Kirk in his acceptance speech.

“He has been enormous,” Fyfe said of Kirk’s influence. “Since Brett came across from Sydney, he and his family really embraced me. I have learnt a lot about footy from Brett and a lot about myself as a person. I am disappointed to see him go but I will always have him in my life.”

Kirk’s return is a coup for the Swans after the two-time Bob Skilton Medallist and 2004 All Australian played a key role in the Dockers’ recent success.

General Manager of Football Tom Harley confirmed earlier this week Kirk’s role would be known in due course.

“We are still finalising our football department structure for 2016,” Harley said. “We will be able to communicate the specifics of Brett’s role, along with any other changes, once that process is completed in the coming weeks.”

Kirk played 241 games for the Swans over 11 years, captaining the Club for five seasons, before his retirement in 2010.