FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has lavished praise on Hayden Ballantyne after the small forward overcame a tight calf to boot six goals in the Dockers' 20-point triumph over Richmond on Saturday.
In his post-game media conference, Lyon revealed Ballantyne had battled the calf issue leading into the clash.
The goalsneak received treatment during the game, but was still able to kick two majors in the final term as the Dockers held off Richmond's fast finish.
"He was fantastic, wasn't he? He's enormous. His chase and tackle from behind – there was a big one in the last quarter I reckon – and his ability to finish, he's just a great Fremantle person," Lyon said.
"(He had) a tight calf all week. He was really sore coming off, but he finds a way.
"He's a beauty. He doesn't sit in the formal leadership group, but he's a real team leader and a driver. No doubt."
Ballantyne, who had 11 possessions and laid three tackles, was one of several Dockers who struggled with injury or illness on Saturday.
Alex Silvagni battled through sore ribs after a heavy knock in the first half, compounding the loss of Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson.
In their absence Zac Dawson had a torrid time on Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt, although he couldn't make the Dockers defender pay.
Riewoldt booted 1.5 and sprayed one shot out on the full in a frustrating display.
Lyon revealed Nick Suban (12 disposals) and Danyle Pearce (five) were ill during the week with the latter substituted in the third quarter for recruit Colin Sylvia.
Sylvia was quiet with just three touches and "didn't come under (Lyon's) nose" except for one occasion when he didn't get goalside of his opponent in the final term.
"But I thought he looked powerful and dangerous in that short sample. I think he's got a bit to offer us, Col," Lyon said.
The former Demon, who is under pressure to keep his career alive, was seen running laps long after the match finished.
The Dockers' win improved their poor record at the MCG to four wins from 12 games in the past five seasons.
But Lyon admitted there was room for improvement and said he was disappointed with his side's lapses.
Freo saw their 22-point lead overhauled in the second quarter and the Tigers fought back to within 14 points late in the game after the Dockers had led by 40 in the third term.
"Yeah, massive concerns - we don't like it. We don't like it at all. But it's a long campaign and you're not going to be perfect," he said.
"When you're going up and down away you've got to find a way to get the momentum back."
Lyon didn't think Silvagni's rib injury was too serious, although it is unclear whether he will be available to play the Brisbane Lions at Patersons Stadium next weekend.
