A tweak to key Fremantle forward Chris Mayne's role has seen him return to his best, according to Freo Dockers coach Ross Lyon.

The 26-year-old had a relatively disappointing 2014 after fighting a back problem through the pre-season kicking just 13 goals in 23 games.

However Lyon said the coaching staff identified that Mayne needed to play a little closer to goal and take on the responsibilities of a tall forward in 2015.

Mayne has responded well to that shift in emphasis, sitting equal ninth for tackles (the highest placed forward) and having nine goals on the board.

"We said we were using him a bit too high so his hunting territory has changed a bit," Lyon said.

"We just needed to reposition him and he is playing some pretty good footy for us."

Ross Lyon post-match Q & A

On Sunday the curly-haired Freo Docker stood up after half-time when both Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters were out of the game due to injury.

He kicked three goals in the second half (to make it four for the game) and showed leadership helping the inexperienced Matt Taberner and managing the midfielders that rotated through the forward 50.

Mayne also had an amazing 12 tackles for the game, a feat that only Western Bulldog terrier Liam Picken matched in round five, to play a well-rounded game.

Mayne's 'incredible' tackle count

"It's really good just to get back to some of my best footy," Mayne told AFL.com.au.

"I felt that I worked hard all day and I think I was more pleased with the fact that I had 12 tackles."

He said he accepted the leadership role after half-time and heaped praise on his teammates for their efforts.

"Matt De Boer was terrific, Tabs (Taberner) was excellent all day, working hard [and to] see Fyfey [Nathan Fyfe] and Dave [Mundy] and Aaron [Sandilands] give us a chop out was awesome," Mayne said.

It was left to Lyon to discuss Mayne's contribution.

"I think he is back to his very best of a couple of years ago," Lyon said.

"His pressure was always there last year. It's really pleasing for Chris because he never stopped working."