FREMANTLE's midfield group must get better at capitalising on the dominance of ruckman Aaron Sandilands, Dockers midfielder Michael Barlow says.

Sandilands broke an AFL record against Richmond last Friday night, winning the most hit-outs to advantage in a single game since the statistic has been recorded.

Sandilands dished 23 taps to the direct advantage of teammates that yielded a 52-35 clearance differential in the Dockers' favour.

But the Dockers were beaten comfortably by 27 points.

The previous week, Sandilands broke the AFL hit-out record with 69 against Adelaide. The Dockers won the clearance battle by four and won the game by 11 points.

Barlow said the Freo's midfield was constantly trying to make the most of Sandilands' dominance.

"We're always trying to improve our game as a midfield group and a stoppage group," he said.

"I think all of the teams across the competition would see Aaron and our midfield set-up as influential.

"We … have got to get better as a midfield group, from Aaron through to Nathan (Fyfe), David (Mundy), myself, Lachie Neale, to make sure we're holding up our end of the bargain."

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At times this year, the Dockers have excelled at moving the ball cleanly out of stoppages on the back of Sandilands' ruckwork, and sharp use of handball from the likes of Fyfe and Mundy.

Coach Ross Lyon told 6PR on Monday night he felt his side didn't spread the ball against Richmond as well it had in the previous nine wins. 

"I didn't think we spread the ball very well, particularly on a big ground," Lyon said.

"I thought we really fell down badly at our half-forward line. That's where they got most of their ball, the Tigers.

"We didn't use it very well. We played straight-line footy.

"It's been a strength for the year but we were a bit slow with it, a bit straight-line and you get what you deserve in that respect."

The Dockers travel to Metricon Stadium to take on Gold Coast on Saturday, with Barlow to play his 100^th AFL game.

He said his family would be more excited than he is.     

"Probably for me personally, it doesn't mean a hell of a lot," Barlow said.

"The 100th game is no more significant than the previous 99 I have played. It is more so significant to the people who have helped me along the journey and the people close to me.  

"From my point of view, it is no different to any other week, but I am really humbled to be able to share it with some significant people in my life."