FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has launched a passionate defence of his coaching style, saying people who claim he burns players out are living in "gaga land".

Lyon's coaching style has come under question amidst reports of player unrest at the club.

Fremantle started the year as a premiership fancy, but sits in 16th spot with a 3-17 record after producing one of its worst ever seasons.

Lyon's relentless demands of the playing group have been blamed by some as a reason behind the Dockers' dramatic fall from grace.

The 49-year-old is a renowned taskmaster, who until this season had achieved many of the desired results at Fremantle.

But there have also been suggestions that Lyon's demanding style eventually wears players down, as well as his assistant coaches.

However, Lyon claimed that theory was bogus, saying he's received glowing reviews about his coaching methods from a host of past and present players throughout his career.

"There's players on this list that describe me as a father figure," Lyon said on Thursday.

"So if you think my behaviour with those players can be so disparate from other players, I think you're living in gaga land.

"All I know is the teams I've coached – and you can only go on how they give effort – if what you were saying was true, it's impossible to give the effort and play consistent footy year after year like they do.

"Anyone who thinks that I would treat players any differently – it's naive at best, mischievous at worst."

The Dockers will be without ruckman Aaron Sandilands (glute) and Matthew Pavlich (rested) for Saturday's clash with Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium.

Jon Griffin will replace Sandilands, while Matt Taberner will come in for Pavlich.

Lyon said luckless midfielder Anthony Morabito was unlikely to earn a call-up this week.