FREMANTLE captain Nat Fyfe could come under scrutiny from the Match Review Officer for a high forearm which collected Richmond forward Tom Lynch in the head during Sunday's 25-point loss.

With the ball in dispute on the wing, Fyfe collected Lynch in the head with a raised forearm in the final quarter.

Lynch fell to the ground, but immediately got to his feet and required no medical treatment.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon didn't witness the incident, but praised Fyfe's outstanding performance in the defeat, with the superstar racking up 33 touches, 21 contested possessions, nine inside 50s, eight clearances and three goals.

TIGERS TORCH DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats

"I honestly didn't see it. There was so much going on in the box," Lyon said post-match.

"I thought he was quite inspirational, led, attack on the ball, typical Fyfe game.

"They probably had more weight of numbers that were more up and about.

"We love him to hit the scoreboard. He's a very good player. We love him, he's our captain. But we really sit here disappointed."

The Dockers have a readymade replacement if Fyfe is suspended, with Connor Blakely champing at the bit to return after two games in the WAFL following a long-term hamstring injury.

Blakely wasn't picked for the Tigers defeat after picking up 31 touches and booting a goal last round for Peel but trained during match simulation on Sunday and could come in to face Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

Questioned why Blakely was overlooked, Lyon denied he didn't currently see the big-bodied utility in the best side.

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"No, I think that's an emotive statement. Connor's a very good player, he's had nine months off, he's had a big torn tendon hamstring, it takes time," Lyon said.

"He's played two WAFL games, and (is) building nicely. Two is not much if you think you come into the season with three or four under your belt, (including) internal practice games.

"Our form line, which you would be aware of, has been quite strong.

"We'll get to Connor and consider it. Connor at his best – and he's building to his best – is an important part of our 22.

"Really value his ball-winning, his ability to play half-back, and ability to play anywhere really.

"But clearly, we didn't get it done tonight, we didn't get it done last week, so now you've got a couple of weeks in a row where you can have a look at things.

"There's more than Connor down there. We'll have a look at that."

'TIGERS HARDER THAN US' Watch Ross Lyon's full post-match press conference

Lyon lamented Fremantle's slow start, which saw Richmond establish a 25-point lead before the Dockers had scored.

The home side levelled scores early in the second quarter but couldn't stay with the injury-hit Tigers and are now hanging on to a top-eight spot with a  4-4 record.

"The start in AFL footy is always critical. They kicked 4.1 from their first five entries. They were really active," Lyon said.

"I thought their pressure from start to end they outtackled us, they hunted us really well and that's their signature.

"Then we fought back and then the most (underrated) stat is accuracy in front of goal. They took their opportunities when we could have taken some of ours, really.

"I thought they were harder and pressured stronger and longer than us.

"They handled their adversity really well. When we were coming they scored and took their opportunities, so all credit to them."