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No wobbles for Fremantle's AFL coach Lyon

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has been on the receiving end of some heavy criticism after the Dockers' consecutive 104-point losses in the AFL.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon
Ross Lyon has been in charge of the Dockers since 2012. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Fremantle coach Ross Lyon insists he's not wobbling despite copping a wave of criticism in the wake of consecutive 104-point AFL losses.

The Dockers' rebuild was showing promise earlier this year during a stretch where they won six of seven games.

But it's come to a crashing halt over the past fortnight in embarrassing losses to Sydney and Richmond.

AFL great Garry Lyon questioned whether Lyon's coaching had evolved with the game, while Essendon legend Tim Watson said Fremantle players were like witches' hats over the past fortnight.

Watson also questioned whether Lyon had lost the support of the player group.

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But Lyon insists the rebuild is on track, saying it takes time to become a consistently competitive team.

"Rebuilds don't occur in six months," Lyon said on Wednesday.

"We're all committed, and along the ride there's going to be pot holes along the way.

"There's plenty of people that want to come over the hill, but I've experienced all that before.

"So I'm certainly not wobbling.

"I've got belief in our coaching group, our playing group, and the whole club.

"We'll come again. It will just be a matter of time."

After the loss to Richmond, Lyon hinted his team had reached a tipping point in regards to the amount of inexperienced players in the side.

He said there were no guarantees the Dockers won't cop another hiding in Sunday's clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

The defeats to the Swans and the Tigers were the heaviest of Lyon's 11-year coaching career.

But the former St Kilda coach said he wasn't worried about protecting his legacy.

"I've never been a numbers guy. I'm not protecting any record," Lyon said.

"I'd like to think I'm a players' coach.

"Win-loss records and winning percentages don't interest me. That's not what I'm about."

Former Gold Coast midfielder Harley Bennell is set to play against the Bombers after pulling up well from last week's loss to Richmond.

Midfielder Lachie Neale (groin/knee) is a chance to return, while Jon Griffin will replace suspended ruckman Sean Darcy.


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