A FRUSTRATED Ross Lyon has lamented the fundamental skill errors that left the window open for North Melbourne to overrun his side at Etihad Stadium.
The Dockers had 11 more inside 50s than the Kangaroos in the first three quarters but could not put the opposition away in the second and third terms, leaving Fremantle just a goal ahead at the final break.
The ladder leaders conceded five goals in the final quarter, with many coming from transition out of the Dockers' forward 50 as North Melbourne's defender created overlap run.
Lyon described some of the basic errors as "comedy capers". Reliable goalkickers including Chris Mayne missed set shots for goal, veteran defender Luke McPharlin stepped outside the goalsquare when kicking out and simple handballs failed to hit targets.
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"In the end it takes a bit of a toll," Lyon said.
The Dockers booted seven goals to three in the first term but kicked just 5.9 after quarter time – as well as some set shots that went out on the full – to waste the chance to seal the contest.
"We gave them the invitation back in and to their credit they took it," Lyon said.
He said the skill errors were becoming a pattern for some players and although Lyon did not name them, the ball use of Stephen Hill, Michael Barlow, Nick Suban and Hayden Crozier was haphazard.
"I think some players need to eradicate that out of their game," Lyon said.
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He said he asked for composure at three-quarter time but some players still played in a helter-skelter style at times.
Lyon acknowledged the challenges the team faced in finding the right combination inside 50 and said enough opportunities were created.
Small forward Michael Walters remains dangerous but too much is being left to him as the Dockers try the inexperienced but promising Alex Pearce up forward and rotate ruckmen Aaron Sandilands and Jonathon Griffin (who kicked four goals between them) as deep forwards when resting.
Lyon said he was not necessarily confident Matthew Pavlich would return after an Achilles injury forced him out from Sunday's game while Hayden Ballantyne is still a possibility to play finals after suffering a shoulder injury in round 16.
Despite the frustration at the result and the report of Nathan Fyfe, Lyon remained upbeat about the trend as finals loom.
"I thought there were some really good signs today," Lyon said.
Fremantle remain two points clear on top of the ladder with games remaining against Melbourne and Port Adelaide.
