Failure is feedback: Lyon
"We walk away and think, yeah, we've lost, but at a deeper level, there's a bit to like about our persistence and perseverance" - Ross Lyon.
After falling behind by 40 points early in the MCG match, Freo fought back valiantly to get within 17, before finally losing by 29.
Despite "hurting" at the result, Lyon said he couldn't fault the endeavour and desperation his players displayed in what were difficult circumstances.
"If you had of been a Freo Dockers' member or fan watching, you'd have said, this team hasn't given up," he said.
"We're a team that, no matter what result we were getting, we just kept persisting and persevering against what is a really good team.
"We take a lot out of it, but ultimately, failure is feedback."
The Freo coach was full of praise for his leaders, particularly Matthew Pavlich, who kicked five goals against the Magpies.
"All our leaders really stood up," Lyon said.
"I'm not saying they all played their best footy, but if they had put the cue in the rack, it can get ugly quick out on the MCG against Collingwood.”
Lyon said, apart from the round 8 loss to Hawthorn, his side had turned up to play and brought good effort into every game it had contested this season.
"I'm really confident in the way we participate during the week in preparation, and the attitude of the group, they're really passionate about improvement," he said.
"I'm confident we're a team that turns up and gives effort almost regardless.
"It's a nice feeling as a coach, but we can't be complacent with that. All the leaders and the players have to keep driving that sort of effort."