Melbourne veteran Jordan Lewis felt pangs of guilt as Fremantle overran his AFL team in the third quarter of Saturday's narrow loss.
The Demons eventually lost by two points after the Dockers went on a seven-goal run in the third term.
"I felt a little bit of guilt, being reported and being out," Lewis told Fox Sports.
"But it was after the weekend that it really hurt - not being out there and not being able to participate and help my teammates in a time when they needed some leadership and some guidance.
"It was hard to watch."
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It was the second game of Lewis' three-match suspension for striking Carlton opponent Patrick Cripps.
Lewis and teammate Jesse Hogan, who was banned for two games after the Carlton match, have copped plenty of criticism for their suspensions.
While Hogan returns this week, Lewis will have to sit out their Anzac Day eve match against unbeaten Richmond at the MCG.
After starting the season with two wins, Melbourne have lost their past two games while Hogan and Lewis have served their suspensions.
