BROWNLOW medallist Nat Fyfe says Fremantle's confidence has been shaken after the players' failure to successfully execute tweaks to the game plan that carried them to the minor premiership last year.
The Dockers altered their centre square set-up, among other pre-season changes, as they prepared to mount another challenge to three-time reigning premier Hawthorn.
But they have struggled to adapt in the season proper, with coach Ross Lyon citing a lack of leg speed as his side allowed Gold Coast six goals from centre bounces in the Suns' maiden win over the Dockers.
The 26-point loss at Domain Stadium ensured Fremantle would start the season 0-2 for the first time since 2009.
Full match coverage of Fremantle v Gold Coast
Fyfe had no doubt about where most attention would fall when Lyon embarked on his forecast review of the Dockers' problem areas.
"It's a pretty alarming stat. I think every time basically (the Suns) went in they scored," he told AFL.com.au.
"So that points the finger at our midfield, it points the finger at our defence.
"It's clearly not good enough. There has been some change and some shift.
"Our old structure worked quite well for a number of years and we are trying some new things to try and give us an edge, to take us to a higher level.
"Clearly they're not working at this point. But it's our job to keep the faith in them and keep working hard and hopefully the results will align with the mentality."
Five talking points: Fremantle v Gold Coast
The Dockers also kicked woefully against the Suns, operating at just 56 per cent efficiency by foot.
Fyfe said the turnovers were demoralising and the players needed to rebuild some confidence.
"Some crucial, costly, garbage turnovers really killed us today and some quite demoralising easy goals out the back really crush you when you're giving great effort," Fyfe said.
"But I think there are some signs. I think our members and fans should not lose faith in us at the moment because we're not losing faith.
"Players don't lose any ability overnight. But they lose their confidence in their ability and that was clearly a sign tonight and last week as well.
"We're trying some new things and sometimes when the results don't go the way you want them, the confidence really goes out the window and everything seems to compound. So we're hopeful we'll continue to work and the results will align."
Fyfe was the standout in the loss to the Suns, collecting 34 disposals and kicking three critical goals in the third term to help keep the Dockers in the game.
He said his body was feeling better that it did following the loss to the Western Bulldogs in round one.
"I pulled up better this week than I did last week off the back of a little cork," Fyfe said.
"I had an interrupted pre-season so I'm still building.
"I've got a few things that I have to work through. My best footy for this year is well and truly ahead of me."
Fyfe said the Dockers would start overwhelming underdogs against West Coast in next week's Western Derby but he vowed that the Dockers would respond strongly.
"Make no mistake, we're not disheartened at all," Fyfe said.
"We'll lick our wounds, regather and come for a big derby."
