Dockers committed to four-year AFL rebuild

Jun 21, 2017 - 5:31 PM Fremantle coach Ross Lyon insists everyone at the club is sticking by its rebuilding policy, claiming the win-loss ledger isn't at the forefront of his thinking.

The Dockers catapulted themselves into finals contention after starting the season with six wins from their first nine games.

But three losses on the trot - including a shock defeat to last-placed Brisbane - has seen Fremantle plummet to 11th on the ladder with a terrible percentage of 78.5.

The Dockers would require a remarkable turnaround if they are to put themselves back into the finals mix.

They face another daunting task on Sunday when they travel to Simonds Stadium to take on Geelong.

When Fremantle's premiership window abruptly shut last season, Lyon announced the club had decided to embark on a four-year rebuild.

The veteran coach was heavily criticised early this season when he fielded an ageing squad in heavy losses to Geelong and Port Adelaide in the opening two rounds.

But Lyon has embraced a youth policy ever since then, and he remains committed to the rebuild - even if it means efforts like the 57-point loss to Brisbane are repeated.

"We don't want to get caught up in wins and losses," Lyon said.

"We want to get caught up in education and development, and progressing the list.

"We feel we did that in Brisbane. We'll do that again this week, and we'll continue in that vein.

"It's really about the path we're on, that we're all committed to.

"We aim to win every week, but really important is our development and learning."

Fremantle will start as rank underdogs against Geelong, despite the expected return of veteran duo Aaron Sandilands and Hayden Ballantyne from hamstring injuries.

Geelong will be bolstered by the return of forward Tom Hawkins and big man Mark Blicavs.

West Coast gave Fremantle a glimpse of the blueprint needed to beat Geelong when they produced a tackle-laden effort against the Cats last week.

The Eagles laid 93 tackles for the match, with their intensity around the contest proving crucial in the 13-point win.

Lyon wants to see his side produce a similar effort.

"The fundamentals are more important than any tactic from my end," Lyon said.

"We've been 16th for effective tackles and attempted tackles in the AFL.

"We want to bring an attitude to pressure the opposition more than any tactic."

Source: AAP