If defence really does win you premierships, then Fremantle are in the box seat to win this year's AFL flag - especially if the heavens open up.
Fremantle put in the most stingy defensive display of their 20-year history on Saturday night, restricting Brisbane to just 3.4 (22) in an 83-point romp at a rain-drenched Patersons Stadium.
The result lifted Fremantle into fourth spot on the table, and also boosted their percentage from 125.3 to 134.2, putting them in the mix to overhaul Hawthorn, Sydney and Port Adelaide in the run home.
The Dockers (9-4) have conceded a league-low average of 66.8 points per game over the first 13 rounds.
Fremantle are renowned for their frenetic pressure, and it seems that trait becomes magnified in the wet.
Lyon said he wouldn't be disappointed if it rained during his team's finals campaign.
"I know we are a good wet weather team," Lyon said.
"Last year in September we played on a wet day, so it doesn't phase us.
"We like it dry, but we're not a big tall team so there's nothing wrong with living on the ground for us."
Fremantle will start as hot favourites over the next five weeks when they take on West Coast, Melbourne, GWS, St Kilda and Carlton.
And with Luke McPharlin, Michael Johnson, Anthony Morabito, Matt de Boer and Michael Walters set to strengthen the team in the run home, the Dockers are well positioned to at least match last year's grand final appearance.
Morabito is in the mix to return for Saturday's western derby after tallying 28 disposals and two goals in the WAFL.
But with the Dockers riding a five-game winning streak, Lyon hinted it would be hard to break into the team.
"I'd rather be in the team than out of the team at the minute," Lyon said.
"The best 22 tends to pick itself. But there's some pressure around."
Forward Hayden Ballantyne was the standout against Brisbane with five goals, while midfielders Nat Fyfe, Michael Barlow, Lachie Neale and David Mundy also put in classy displays.
Although the Dockers restricted Brisbane to just one point in the first half, Lyon wasn't getting carried away.
"I don't take any extra pleasure out of it," Lyon said.
"We did what we needed to do. Let's acknowledge where Brisbane's at.
"They're a young team. In 2009, we kicked one goal against Adelaide. The wheel will turn for Brisbane."
Share
