Senior coach Ross Lyon says he doesn’t have any interest in protecting his coaching record, which has taken a hit as Fremantle goes through a rebuilding process.
After coaching 249 games without suffering a loss by 100 points or more, Lyon has seen three 100+ losses in his past 12 games.
The losses have come as Fremantle prioritises giving playing time to younger and inexperienced players in their starting 22.
“I’ve never been a numbers guy, I like to think I’m a players’ coach,” Lyon said.
“Win-loss records and winning percentages don’t interest me, that’s not what I’m about.
“I’ve got belief in our coaching group, our playing group and the whole club.
“We’ve just got to do the work and it will be a matter of time.
“I’m not protecting any record. That’s doesn’t motivate me.
"I’m committed, I’m in, I understand the challenges and I understand what we’ve got to do.”
Lyon said it has been crucial to provide clear direction and not demoralise the playing group after a difficult fortnight.
“We did a review and there were no whippings,” Lyon said.
“It was a sharper review driven by the players.
“What leaders do is affirm their people when they’re under pressure, and I’ve affirmed my belief in them.
“I’ve given them clear actions. We need to run, we need to bounce more.
"Our forwards need to lead more and, when we haven’t got the ball, we need to work harder to close our opponents down earlier than we have been.
“I really believe in this group, it’s never as good and it’s never as bad, and that’s proven over and over again in AFL football.”
