Ross Lyon has revealed he feels responsible for not giving Cam McCarthy enough aerial support in Fremantle's attack.
McCarthy's form has dipped since spearhead Matt Taberner went down with a broken foot in round five, with the former Giant averaging eight disposals, 2.5 marks and a goal over the past four matches.
While emerging swingman Brennan Cox has offered McCarthy some respite, Lyon put his hand up for not giving the 192cm goalkicker enough help in the air.
Be there for Freo v North Melbourne! Buy your tickets here
"I feel a bit guilty with Cam because (of) the team we've picked," Lyon said ahead of Sunday's clash with North Melbourne.
"I take responsibility for Cam not having a lot of support, so that just flags (David) Mundy will play a lot more forward.
"We think with the support, when he's more free and he's not feeling the pressure of being that spearhead and tall all the time, he then plays very good footy.
"I think as a match committee we've missed that a little bit and it's something we're conscious of going forward.”
Fremantle, who only scored 52 points against the Swans, also have Shane Kersten in the wings.
But Lyon has been reluctant to call on the former Geelong forward following the decision to reignite his career as a defender.
Kersten is on standby for close mate Joel Hamling, although the Dockers are confident the full-back will be fit to mind one of North's dangerous tall forwards.
Hamling passed a cognitive state test this week after suffering concussion against the Swans.
First-year midfielder Mitch Crowden has been rested and Freo will continue to monitor Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Bailey Banfield.
"It's not an exact science. They're like lab rats, they get measured on everything and indicators for everything," Lyon said.
"But I think our form and their run will tell us most, and just their general demeanour, but they're really bubbly and enthusiastic."
