NOW THAT Fremantle's finals dream is effectively over, Dockers coach Ross Lyon hasn't ruled out the prospect of giving veteran Hayden Ballantyne a farewell game.
Veteran small forward Ballantyne has played 170 games for Freo but just two this season, his most recent appearance being in the round 19 loss to the Western Bulldogs. He was an emergency for the clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday when the Dockers lost in the last minute.
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The feisty 32-year-old, who has tallied 254 goals in an 11-season career, looms as a possible inclusion for Fremantle's home clash with Essendon on Saturday night, when Dockers fans could be provided with an opportunity to pay tribute to one of their cult heroes.
"I haven't had one conversation with Hayden (about that). We've been driving to the line, we'll continue to drive to the line," Lyon said post-match.
"We've done it in the past. It's not something I've put my head to.
"At the right time you turn your attentions to anything that may come across your desk. But that hasn't come across my desk."
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The 9-11 Dockers now need a mini-miracle to make the finals. In the last two rounds they face fellow finals hopefuls Essendon (at home) and Port Adelaide (away), and will need to win well to boost their percentage to the required level.
"Of course we're frustrated. We invest a lot. I would think our finals opportunities close," Lyon said.
"But to come interstate, really compete like we did, I can't really question the effort … Of course I'm frustrated."
Fremantle started and finished poorly, conceding the first three goals and also the last two after leading by nine points late in the final term.
Lyon rued his team turning the ball over at half-back early, and wished his players had shown greater game awareness late.
He said they didn't take their opportunities as well as they did the previous week in their big win over league leader Geelong.
"Some execution and our game situation (stuff) has been a little bit costly at times," Lyon said.
"We dominated entries in the last quarter. (Jake) Carlisle, who we had under control, in the end his height and mobility – he took four marks off our entry and I think they took six in the last quarter.
"That was a bit of a frustration for us that hadn't occurred all day, and then they were able to go forward and mount some pressure."
The Dockers look set to miss the finals for a fourth straight season. Picture: AFL Photos
Despite the result and the prospect of a fourth season without finals, Lyon believes his club has made progress in the face of a long casualty list.
"If we could have (Jesse) Hogan, (Matt) Taberner, (Brennan (Cox) on the end of them, bringing it to ground, and Alex Pearce and Stephen Hill and Luke Ryan running off half-back … I think it's really exciting for us going forward," he said.
"We feel there's been real growth in our system and our young players."
