IT IS the first time in Fremantle's history that the club has started a season with four straight wins, but coach Ross Lyon says there is no time to relax ahead of facing Melbourne next week.
The Dockers have put together an outstanding month of football culminating in a 14-point win over the Sydney Swans at Domain Stadium on Saturday night.
The win meant they eclipsed their previous best start of 3-1 in 2010, when they made the second week of the finals.
But Lyon was in no mood to celebrate on Saturday night.
"There's continuing challenges," Lyon said.
"It was a big challenge tonight. It's where we want to be. But there's no milestone or breathing out here.
"I watched Melbourne on Friday night and they were really tenacious. They're going to be well rested, and they would have made some observations, and it's going to be really difficult."
The Dockers face the Demons at the MCG next Saturday. They have only played at the venue twice since the 2013 Grand Final loss to Hawthorn.
Lyon has previously stated that he would look at resting Luke McPharlin at certain stages this year, but wouldn’t countenance the prospect after the game.
"We spoke about assessing Luke McPharlin at the halfway mark," Lyon said.
"The situation is, it's round four. In another seven weeks we'll be at the halfway mark. Clearly then we will sit down and have a look.
"It's on the agenda for Luke, but he's said he's never felt better and we are managing him better Monday to Friday.
"It's a reasonable question in regards to Luke in particular. Zac Dawson and Alex Silvagni are in full training at the minute and we know they are really capable."
Dawson (groin) and Silvagni (hamstring) are yet to play this season although Silvagni is set to return for Peel Thunder in the WAFL on Sunday.
The Dockers' defence held Swans stars Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett to four goals on Saturday night. McPharlin had Franklin for most of the night while Michael Johnson had to deal with Tippett. Both men threatened, particularly in the second half.
"McPharlin was super all night," Lyon said.
"Tippett and Franklin looked more threatening in the second half didn't they, because the ball got there quicker and it got there one out. The aim is to slow it down and get support."
Lyon's side led by 48 points at half-time but the Swans got within three points in the last quarter before the Dockers kicked the last two goals of the match.
"You're never safe," Lyon said. "Not against quality (teams). You're hoping to hear that siren while you're in front.”
"I think we learnt that we were able to, when challenged, get the momentum back. We're really pleased we take the four points."
