Fremantle's forwards need to get out of Matthew Pavlich's way in order for the forward line to function better, says coach Ross Lyon.
The Freo Dockers' attack has struggled over the past month despite sitting two games clear on top of the AFL ladder with 11 wins and just one loss.
Freshened Freo ready for Lions
Freo has averaged five goals fewer over their past four matches compared to the first eight rounds, although the weather hasn't helped with all four of those matches played in wet conditions.
Pavlich has failed to kick a goal since round nine - the first time since 2011 the skipper has gone three games without a goal.
"My view on Matthew is Matthew is in pretty good nick," Lyon said on Thursday.
"But too many of our forwards are coming across him and near him and their opponents are spoiling the ball.
"I could show you 10 (video) clips where Pav's got his man beaten and another forward, who should've moved and led hasn't moved and led, and has spoilt Matthew when he's about to take the mark.
"So that's been a bit of a focus for us, separation and leading and movement."
Match preview: Freo v Brisbane
Lyon said the midfield had created plenty of supply over the past four weeks although he had been critical of some of the ball movement and decision-making when kicking inside 50.
"There's two things – (we've been) a bit slow with the ball at times, and everyone knowing where it's going and not sacrificing," Lyon said.
"You've got to work together. Only one person can get the ball."
The Freo Dockers have tinkered with the mix of their forward structure this season. Matt Taberner and Zac Clarke have both been sent back to the WAFL in the last fortnight and Jack Hannath has played as the second ruck and part-time forward.
Taberner kicked four goals for Peel Thunder last week while Clarke had 21 touches and 36 hit-outs.
Lyon has indicated he would like to get ruckman Jon Griffin into the team at some stage as well.
One option Lyon can't turn to is young key forward Michael Apeness, who has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a knee injury.
Apeness damaged his posterior cruciate ligament in May in the WAFL and while it was initially assessed as a 10-12 week injury, Lyon confirmed on Thursday that he would not play again this season.
"He went and saw the surgeon in Melbourne and he was potentially going to have surgery," Lyon said.
"They said he's in pretty good shape so he's just rehabbing through, so no surgery. But you won't see him by the end of the year."
The 200cm key forward, who was the club's first pick in the 2013 AFL Draft, played two matches for the Freo Dockers last season and is being developed to become a permanent key target in the forward line.
