Ballantyne earns coach's praise
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has hailed the performance of small forward Hayden Ballantyne after he kicked six goals in today's win over Richmond at the MCG.
The Dockers won 16.9 (105) to 12.13 (85) and dominated the third term when they broke clear to lead by 40 points.
Ballantyne was influential with three goals in the second term, one in the third and two in the fourth as the most dominant forward on the ground.
"He was fantastic," Lyon said.
"He's enormous. His chase and tackle from behind - there was a big one in the last quarter - and his ability to finish, he's a great Fremantle person.
"He has a tight calf all week and was really sore coming off but he just finds a way. He's a beauty.
"He's a real team driver, a real team leader. He doesn't sit in the formal leadership group but he's a real team leader and driver, no doubt."
Lyon said the team's ability to withstand Richmond's pressure after a week of intense scrutiny was a highlight. Playing withoout Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson, Fremantle conceded 51 inside 50s to just 37 but Zac Dawson and Alex Silvagni did their jobs.
Silvagni suffered a solid knock to the ribs early in the match but continued to play while Lyon said Nick Suban and Danyle Pearce had battled illness during the week.
"It was a difficult week," Lyon said.
"Six day break, travel, off a tough game, with a couple of players out injured. So it was really pleasing."
Nat Fyfe was fantastic all day with 32 disposals and 1.1 while Stephen Hill and Michael Barlow were also influential.
