The Freo captain was well held by Bomber defender Jake Carlisle, who is an early candidate for an All Australian jumper this season.
Pavlich, who had a delayed start to his pre-season because of surgery, could only manage 10 disposals and two marks and didn’t kick a goal for the second time in three games this season.
But Lyon refused to agree his skipper was struggling and said ‘Pav’ had worked hard but was simply beaten on the night.
“He’s human, he’s not going to be at his best every night but he’ll work through it,” Lyon said.
The senior coach said it was dismissive of the Bombers’ efforts to blame Pavlich’s quiet performance on personal form.
“I don’t think it’s paying due respect to Essendon and how well they played,” Lyon said.
“I’m sure Matthew wouldn’t be making any excuses.”
Lyon was very assertive in his response when asked why Pavlich was not moved into the midfield, as he had done in years gone by when he wasn’t seeing the ball up forward.
“I think he has paid his dues for this club,” Lyon said.
“He is a power forward and an exceptional one, and that’s where we will keep him.”
