VETERAN key forward Matthew Pavlich remains a vital part of Fremantle's forward mix according to Dockers coach Ross Lyon.

After a quiet game against St Kilda when the champion forward had eight disposals, took one mark and kicked one goal yet worked as hard as ever for eight tackles, Lyon said Pavlich remained invaluable.

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He said Pavlich's presence helped the Dockers steady the ship after they were jumped for the third time this season at Etihad Stadium.

"[On] a day [like] when you're listing a little bit, his ability to lead them and balance it up is second to none," Lyon said.

Having played 344 games, Pavlich has kicked 11 goals in nine games and is averaging 12 disposals a game in his 17th season.

However Lyon said statistics were a poor measure of Pavlich's contribution to the team as he nears the 350-game mark.

"I'm really pleased with Matthew's year. I think a few other people see it different but the intangibles and the leadership [is] just fantastic," Lyon said.

With Nat Fyfe, Aaron Sandilands, Michael Johnson and David Mundy all sidelined through injury, Pavlich is playing a key role inside the forward half of the ground.

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Lyon said his presence is helping the improving Matt Taberner to make quicker progress than if Pavlich wasn't beside him in support. 

"If he doesn't play [then] Fisher is on Taberner and I thought Taberner looked really dangerous once he played deeper," Lyon said.

Taberner was a good contributor against St Kilda, kicking two goals and taking five marks, including two contested marks in just his 36th game. He has been given a good grounding after arriving at the Dockers via the rookie list.

Lyon also saw positive signs from young midfielders Connor Blakely, Lachie Weller and Ed Langdon and foresees a competitive midfield once those youngsters, who have played 24 games between them, have more experience surrounding them.

"If they go down the path and keep investing in their footy they should get better and if we look forward we would like to complement them with the midfield of Fyfe, [Harley] Bennell, Mundy and Sandilands," Lyon said.

The coach was disappointed with the team's start – conceding the first four goals at Etihad inside the first 11 minutes for the third time in as many visits this season – but was pleased with the diligence they showed to regain the lead.

Lyon reminded the group at quarter-time in no uncertain terms that having nine tackles for the first quarter was unacceptable, particularly when Saints midfielder David Armitage had six for the quarter.

"We just said we're not accepting it," Lyon said.

Watch Ross Lyon's full post-match press conference

He said the last quarter capitulation began with skill errors out of defence but they were lessons to improve.

"[I was] really pleased with the second and third quarter, really concerned about the first," Lyon said.

"[I] thought we really tried in the last but when you have a start like we did [then] to get back in the game … and edge in front, it takes a fair bit out of you."