FREMANTLE'S young players’ good form helped them to a comprehensive 83-point win over the Brisbane Lions, coach Ross Lyon said.
Lyon was pleased with the games of his inexperienced players, and said they were showing good signs in their development.
"We came out to compete, and we came out to improve, and we thought we did that tonight," Lyon said.
"We'll continue to invest [in our young players], and at the end of the day, birth certificates are out when you go down the race, you’re ready to compete and represent your club."
Matthew Taberner was dominant in the absence of Matthew Pavlich, kicking a career-high five goals, and Lyon said it was his best game for the club.
"That's been coming for a while, he’s been working really hard and we’ve been giving him opportunities, he did well."
Last round's NAB Rising Star nominee Connor Blakely finished the game with a team-high 29 disposals, and Lachie Weller kicked four goals and had 22 disposals.
"At half-time, I think [Darcy] Tucker, Weller and Blakely were leading a lot of our possession stats, so they're showing some really good signs," Lyon said.
"[Hayden] Crozier's continued to blossom at half-back."
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Lyon was also happy with upgraded rookie Tanner Smith's effort, who kicked a goal in only his third match since 2013.
"Tanner Smith has worked hard for an opportunity, he's had some issues with his body and his football, so he's pleasing."
After being level at quarter-time, Freo kicked nine goals to one in the second quarter, with Lyon attributing the stunning turnaround to a better defensive effort.
"We weren't able to find them and put much pressure on them.
"So I think we tightened up, we were able to reduce their time and space, and started winning the clearances."
Ross Lyon post-match Q & A: Rd 12 v Brisbane
Lyon said after big wins against Essendon and the Lions, next round’s match against Port Adelaide will be telling.
"There's bigger challenges ahead, we've got Port Adelaide next week.
"So we'll know more next week, to be truthful."
