ROSS Lyon has dismissed the pressure on Fremantle as "outside talk" after the Dockers held on for a confidence-boosting one-point victory over Sydney on Saturday night.
Entering the clash, the Dockers had slipped from sixth on the ladder to 13th after four-straight defeats left their finals ambitions teetering on the brink.
But triumphing over the Swans after Ed Langdon broke the deadlock with a snapped behind in the dying stages has lifted Fremantle back up to 10th and within sight of Adelaide, which is only a win and percentage clear in eighth.
Aaron Sandilands played an important role in the win. Picture: AFL Photos
Lyon, whose own position has been under scrutiny, said it "doesn't hurt" to be back in the September mix and wasn't buying into the victory easing pressure.
"What pressure? I think that's just what it is, outside talk," Lyon said.
"We've done so much right. Our average losing margin was 12. Interstate wins against top-four clubs, GWS and Collingwood, beat top-four, top-six teams at home.
DOCKERS WIN A THRILLER Full match coverage and stats
"Then we ran into some problems. We're a young, developing list. We're not a deep list and there are some challenges that go with that.
"If people want to pile on, that's the business, that's what we sign up for but it doesn't wobble my intent and our coaches' intent and our players' intent.
"We're a pretty happy camp, but we've been disappointed, so let the criticism come, that's just the business we're in."
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Lyon believed the Dockers were performing to their talent level nearing the end of a four-draft rebuild, and praised youngsters Griffin Logue, Adam Cerra and Andrew Brayshaw for their roles in the gritty Swans clash.
After matching the eight victories from the past two campaigns, the Fremantle coach steered clear of setting a win target on the run home.
"When you think the group is giving everything they've got and we've really improved there is no stress, bar the stress of losing," Lyon said.
WATCH Ross Lyon's post-match press conference
"I've never set wins and loss goals. It was an opportunity to improve tonight. We were still far from what we want to be, but our will to win and compete was strong. It was more consistent.
"Griffin's really, in his third year, been available for 20 games, so there's plenty of upside here and we're three-and-a-half years in (to the rebuild).
"I'm not sure what all the hoopla is about, to be honest, but that's just the town we live in.
"You've got to write your own story. It's a win-loss business.
"I understand we're a two-team town, I understand the scrutiny.
"We've got that many content providers and not many people to provide the content, that's just the way we roll here."
Lyon admitted it was a gamble playing three ruckmen against the Swans, although each of Aaron Sandilands, Sean Darcy and Rory Lobb (three goals) did their bit and Fremantle dominated clearances (+22) and hitouts (53-18).
Lobb subluxed his shoulder late but the Dockers hope he and superstar skipper Nat Fyfe (elbow infection) will be available for next round's pivotal clash with the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
Fremantle has lost boom recruit Jesse Hogan to another navicular injury but Lyon downplayed the emotion of the setback.
"Sad? You know what, we're not saving babies lives here. It's a navicular, we'll put a pin in, he'll rehab and he'll be there round one (next year)," Lyon said.
"We'll support him and he'll get going, but let's not dramaticise too much."
