Fremantle has reached a tipping point with the amount of youth in the team and coach Ross Lyon can't guarantee a response against Essendon in the final round.
The rebuilding Fremantle side loss to Richmond on Sunday, after a promising first quarter, in their farewell game at Domain Stadium.
Speaking post-match, Lyon highlighted the youth in Freo's line-up, which was missing the class of Lachie Neale, Michael Walters, Connor Blakely and Aaron Sandilands.
"We've all seen this all before, this is no shock. As much as we didn't want it, there's a tipping point and the evidence is we've got to that point at the minute if you want to break down the team," Lyon said.
"That's just the reality of AFL footy. Do we like it? No.
"But I've sat and watched teams rebuild over a period of time and I'm sure they go through losses and periods like this and need to bring through young players.
"I think that's the task at hand, isn't it? I don't think any of us are really surprised.
"I think we had eight players under 10 games – or six – and eight under 20.
"I'm not sure how they looked but from our end that's where our improvement needs to come from.
"Our senior players are carrying the load."
Lyon conceded the Freo’s team defence had been "deplorable" in the past two games and couldn't "guarantee" a better effort against Essendon at Etihad Stadium next round.
Lyon thought his team has to work hard over the next week.
"We think we've got a good young group. Let's build to earn the respect around town, because at the minute we haven't got that."
One positive for Fremantle on Sunday was Harley Bennell getting through his first AFL game in 722 days unscathed.
Bennell booted two first-quarter goals as Freo took a four-point lead into the break.
"He looked like he had some class, handled the ball well and took his opportunities," Lyon said.
"It's a stepping stone. Clearly we need that level of player to build to be a match-winner, because you can see what they can do for you."
