Fremantle star Matthew Pavlich is disappointed to be spending this week on the sidelines, but coach Ross Lyon says it is a matter of saving the veteran forward from himself.
Lyon confirmed on Tuesday that Pavlich would be rested against Hawthorn on Saturday.
The Dockers sat down in the pre-season and picked this game in Tasmania as a possible opportunity to manage the 34-year-old.
Lyon said despite Pavlich's good form and desire to play, Freo decided to stick with the plan.
"Over pre-season we looked at some games and this was always on the radar," Lyon said on Thursday.
"Matthew was really keen to play, so we sort of committed to having a weekly discussion with him and not pre-empting from here.
"He was a bit disappointed in a sense, but sometimes you've got to save players from themselves.
"We think he's in really good form. He's got some niggles so if we can settle that down.
"It clearly gives someone else an opportunity, so we'll take it on a weekly basis from here."
Halting Hawthorn's forward line firepower
Despite not playing against Hawthorn this week, Lyon said Pavlich had been in good form so far in 2016, a fact he partly contributed to the lightened responsibilities after handing over the Freo captaincy at the start of the season.
“We think he’s in really good form,” Lyon said.
“He’s probably disappointed in his conversion, but he’s having four or five shots on goal a week, which is pretty healthy.
“There’s not doubt that not being captain has been beneficial for him.
“That responsibility has been taken away from him, which has freed him up, he’s a bit more relaxed and he’s played some really good football.”
Freo ready for Hawks in Tassie
Ross Lyon also said Pavlich’s legacy had only been strengthened in the way he’s handled the adversity of Freo’s start to the 2016 season.
Lyon said the 342-gamer’s ability to retain his high standard in trying times has been important for Freo’s younger players.
“Legacy is about showing people the right way, so that when you’re gone it can continue on,” Lyon said.
“It’s easy when you’re 7-0 and 13-0, and finishing top four and all those kind of things.
“The legacy of adversity is coming and being the same, and showing the right way when you’re 0-7.
“You find out a lot about people and we’re seeing their quality when you’re being challenged to come in, train hard, and our younger players are being shown how to handle adversity.”
