Ross Lyon has defended his call to substitute Michael Barlow out of Sunday’s Carlton Draught Derby during the third quarter stating it was an “obvious” call.

Barlow started the game slowly amassing only four disposals and two tackles before being subbed out of the game for Hayden Crozier.

Lyon said during the post-match press conference he had to respond to the situation to give the team some life.

“He is normally pretty good, but he wasn’t touching it and we had to do something,” Lyon said.

“I think (Hayden) Crozier gave us a bit of bite and life.

“He’s a proud player, he won't like it but that was the call.”

Barlow’s round 20 effort against West Coast was his lowest statistically for the season with an overall average of 22.4 disposals in 19 games.