Ross Lyon has conceded Fremantle is slightly vulnerable in its defensive stocks after Michael Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in the Freo Dockers' 27-point loss to Richmond on Friday night.
The Fremantle coach was not overly concerned with his side's first defeat of the season, but was wary of a mounting injury toll amongst his key defenders.
Johnson is set to miss three weeks after straining his right hamstring early in the first quarter of his milestone 200th match.
'It was a challenge without Johnno': Ibbotson
Zac Dawson (broken thumb) and Alex Silvagni (hamstring) are six to eight weeks away from returning, while youngster Alex
Pearce has missed the past two weeks with back bruising.
Lee Spurr was a late withdrawal from the clash with the Tigers due to a corked leg.
"We're vulnerable because they're injured," Lyon said post-match.
"We've been holding our breath a little bit. We thought we were getting a little bit better with Zac Dawson but he breaks his thumb, and then 'Johnno' gets pushed as he kicked, so a little hamstring tweak.
"You know what? Good teams find a way."
Lyon said Spurr would definitely come back into the side to face Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium next Saturday afternoon.
He was hopeful Pearce would be available next week, while the Freo Dockers have key defender Tanner Smith on their rookie list if needed.
"We'll go away and look at it," Lyon said.
"I think Gold Coast have some challenges. I'm not sure how many talls they've got. I haven't been watching them that closely, but I'll have to tune into that. We'll come together as a match committee and make an educated decision."
The Freo Dockers dominated the clearances 51-36 on Friday night on the back of another dominant display by Aaron Sandilands. The 211cm giant broke the AFL record for hit-outs to advantage, delivering 23 on a platter to the Freo Dockers' midfield.
But after his side lost its first game for 2015, Lyon had no interest in the record.
"Terrific," Lyon said.
"That's good; it will go in the record books, and we'll go down as losers."
Lyon was also not concerned about the club's failure to set a new record-winning streak by winning its 10th consecutive game.
Fremantle's nine-game unbeaten run to start the season equaled its nine-game winning streak from rounds 14-22 in 2006.
"It would have been nice to create some history, there's no doubt about that," Lyon said.
"But it's really insignificant in the scheme of things.
"We came here to play good footy in front of our crowd. We didn't do that. We had an opponent that laid down a challenge and we didn't respond in the manner you need to.
"We need to work on our desire levels for the week and come out and we get the opportunity to go to the Gold Coast."
