FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has lauded Cam McCarthy for taking his chance after the previously out-of-favour forward stepped up in Jesse Hogan's absence and bagged five goals in Sunday's rout of North Melbourne.

McCarthy was devastating on Sunday, torching the Kangaroos in a stunning display to ignite the Dockers' thumping 82-point victory at Optus Stadium.

The only downside for Fremantle was another soft-tissue injury, this time to veteran goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne, who has strained a hamstring.

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McCarthy's performance came after he wasn't selected in the 26-man squads for either JLT Community Series game after the arrivals of big-name recruits Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb.

But with Hogan battling anxiety and unavailable to take on the Roos after drinking excessively and being unable to train last Sunday, McCarthy's round one spot was assured and the former Giant took his chance with both hands.

"Every moment you're getting closer or further away, and he's chosen to work really hard, with some challenges of not getting picked," Lyon said.

"He looked immaculate. Weight, skinfolds, fitness and today he was able to execute that, so he got reward for effort as the group has today.

"But we know one swallow doesn't make a summer, does it, so we'll move on pretty quick, but really pleasing."

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Even without Hogan, the Dockers' forward line was devastating, booting 21 goals from an avalanche of 68 inside 50s as their injury-hit midfield ran all over North.

"I thought Rory (Lobb) and (Matt) Taberner brought the ball to ground today really well. We've got a bit more depth in that area, obviously," Lyon said.

"He (McCarthy) took his chances. I thought his teammates in midfield generated a lot of ball, he worked hard without the ball, and he presented really well and he's a beautiful kick, so I thought he did a lot right."

Ballantyne will undergo scans to determine the extent of his hamstring, and his misfortune should open the door for suspended small Brandon Matera to return against former club Gold Coast in round two.

In the aftermath of the victory, Lyon hadn't considered whether Hogan might be available for the trip to face the Suns.

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"It's in the hand of our medical team and everything that goes with that," Lyon said.

"I don't think it's a forum for me to be speculating, it's not a decision I'll make, but I'm sure I'll be informed of any progress."

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Nat Fyfe (32 disposals, 10 clearances, one goal) was managed late in the game after being targeted physically, and Lyon was pleased with the superstar skipper's hard work defensively after pointed criticism from Mick Malthouse.

"He was a bit thinner for preparation. He worked really hard without the ball today, I thought in the contest he was fantastic and he set up his teammates for some goals. That was really pleasing," Lyon said.

The Dockers, who went 1-8 on the road last year, have a favourable start to the season and after clearing what looked the toughest hurdle in round one they face the Suns on the Gold Coast.

"As everyone is pointing out, our away record needs to improve," Lyon said.

"So I'm confident that can be done, but we get our first opportunity to do that this weekend coming."