COACH Ross Lyon deserves all the plaudits for Freo's win over Geelong on Saturday, midfielder Michael Barlow says.
The Cats got the jump on the Dockers in a spiteful opening term and led at the first change by 13 points but Barlow said Lyon's calming influence steadied the ship.
"We didn't start very well but credit goes to Ross for his ability to deliver a measured approach at quarter-time," Barlow said.
"The first 15 minutes was always going to be crucial and Geelong got the upper hand.
"But a really great aspect of what Ross brings to the table was that he came down at quarter-time and rather than ranting and raving he was really level in his approach to us and really identified where we could improve.
"It was really fundamental, just getting our hands on the ball and winning at the contest, and being able to clear the ball from stoppages."
Barlow was the catalyst for the fight-back kicking two goals in the second term to spark a run of five-straight goals that saw the Dockers hit the front at half-time.
The 25-year-old finished with 32 possessions and three goals in a masterful display.
"I was just stoked to be able to contribute to a massive win for the club and a win in a final which gives us a home prelim," Barlow said.
"Personally I was just so proud of the other 21 players that were able to get the job done and some of the efforts yesterday were just outstanding."
Barlow said the enormity of the win had not sunk in yet but the Dockers are aware of the position they have put themselves in.
"We have given ourselves the home prelim and two weeks to prepare for that and it will be a massive moment for us," Barlow said.
The Dockers will now have the advantage of a week off which Barlow believes is vital.
"The week off is going to be nice," Barlow said.
"We'll recover, review, then train with some purpose. I suppose on the weekend we'll just avoid the two hours of contact against another AFL team.
"The next fortnight is really, really crucial about how we best prepare ourselves for another massive battle."
