FREMANTLE has reached a tipping point with the amount of youth in the team and coach Ross Lyon can't guarantee a response against Essendon in the final round after consecutive triple-figure beltings.
The rebuilding Dockers were obliterated by Richmond after quarter-time on Sunday in their farewell to Domain Stadium.
The Tigers booted 22 of the game's last 26 goals, consigning Fremantle to back-to-back 104-point thumpings after last round's hammering from Sydney.
Speaking post-match, Lyon highlighted the youth in Freo's line-up, which was missing the class of Lachie Neale, Michael Walters, Connor Blakely and Aaron Sandilands.
"We've all seen this all before, this is no shock. As much as we didn't want it, there's a tipping point and the evidence is we've got to that point at the minute if you want to break down the team," Lyon said.
"That's just the reality of AFL footy. Do we like it? No.
"But I've sat and watched teams rebuild over a period of time and I'm sure they go through losses and periods like this and need to bring through young players.
"I think that's the task at hand, isn't it? I don't think any of us are really surprised.
"I think we had eight players under 10 games – or six – and eight under 20.
"I'm not sure how they looked but from our end that's where our improvement needs to come from.
"Our senior players are carrying the load."
WATCH: Ross Lyon's full post-match media conference
Richmond carved up the Dockers with breakneck pace and ball movement on Sunday, feasting off Fremantle's stagnant play from half-back.
The Tigers had 50 inside 50s and scored 25.5 to move back into fourth spot and enhance themselves as a flag contender.
Lyon conceded the Dockers' team defence had been "deplorable" in the past two games and couldn't "guarantee" a better effort against Essendon at Etihad Stadium next round, in a game the Bombers need to win well to cement themselves in the top eight.
Five talking points: Fremantle v Richmond
But Lyon told his charges they have work to do to earn respect in a two-team town, adding that upsetting the Bombers' top-eight charge – which would help arch-rivals West Coast's finals chances – was "pretty thin motivation at the minute".
"It should just be personal pride to improve," he said.
"We've got some challenges, but we need to work through it.
"But we're steady, we're not crumbling.
"Perth is a small town, big connections, isn't it? We would like them not to get caught up in all the garbage and stay focused on their footy.
"We think we've got a good young group. Let's build to earn the respect around town, because at the minute we haven't got that."
The Dockers don't have many reinforcements on the way for the final round, although Neale (groin) could return.
One positive for Fremantle on Sunday was Harley Bennell getting through his first AFL game in 722 days unscathed.
Bennell booted two first-quarter goals as the Dockers took a four-point lead into the break but, like the team, faded to finish with six touches.
"He looked like he had some class, handled the ball well and took his opportunities," Lyon said.
"It's a stepping stone. Clearly we need that level of player to build to be a match-winner, because you can see what they can do for you."
