FREMANTLE'S missed opportunities in the opening term of Saturday's Grand Final will "haunt" the club, coach Ross Lyon says.
The Dockers trailed Hawthorn by 12 points at quarter-time and 23 points at the major change having kicked 1.6 in the first half, not to mention several shots that did not register a score.
"Four out on the full set shots, in a tight, tough contest in the conditions out there today, we all know, we've seen it – it's occurred again today," Lyon said after the 15-point loss.
"Would we have won? I'm not sure. But we certainly would've been able to put a little bit more pressure on them, particularly early, and not as much effort to come from behind.
"I think the start will haunt us for a while, but it’s a great lesson for our club.
"It's about the basics under pressure.
"Missed shots at the end of the day separate quality."
At his press conference last Monday, Lyon spoke of his experience in 2009 as St Kilda's coach when the Saints lost a Grand Final having missed opportunities in front of goal against Geelong.
The Dockers coach was also frustrated that Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake had been able to take 10 marks and gather 22 possessions in the manner in which he did.
"We had a structure in place," Lyon said.
"It should have been adhered to and it wasn't and we paid the penalty. Those guys know who they are.
"We've spoken about that already but there is no witch-hunt.
"But it's about discipline under pressure.
"He's a pretty handy player to suck into congestion and leave him rolling off. But that's just feedback for the guys that were involved in that."
Lyon said was very proud of his players but also wondered what might have been.
"I'd like to acknowledge their work ethic and their growth and there's a lot to like," Lyon said.
"We sit here really frustrated and disappointed that we weren't good enough to take an opportunity."
Danyle Pearce and Zac Dawson struggle to come to grips with the defeat. Picture: AFL Media
Lyon was unperturbed by the fact that he walked away from a fourth Grand Final without a victory .
"I'm not going to crumble. My job is to lead and work with the players and that's what I intend to do," he said
"[I am] bitterly disappointed, proud of the players' efforts, but I take no satisfaction.
"We're here to win premierships and fell short."
