Fremantle was overrun by Collingwood in their Round 11 match at Domain Stadium, losing by 20 points to fall to their second loss in a row.
The Dockers trailed for most the match, with the Magpies dominating them in the first half but failing to take advantage on the scoreboard through inaccurate kicking.
Collingwood has almost double the inside 50s (29-15) at halftime, and also controlled clearances (23-16).
Down by 16 points at the main break, Fremantle kept in touch during the third quarter and made a blistering start in the fourth to draw even on the scoreboard.
Despite a growing injury toll, Collingwood regained the lead and was able to hold on for victory, winning 15.15 (105) to 12.13 (85).
Nat Fyfe starred for the Dockers, collecting 24 disposals and one goal, and he was supported well by Connor Blakely (26 disposals) and Lachie Neale (22 disposals, one goal).
In a game which saw him become Fremantle’s longest-serving coach, Ross Lyon was left to rue a sloppy first half.
"I thought they made us pay for some poor stoppage work early," Lyon said.
"I thought we were a bit helter-skelter with our ball use - a lack of composure - but that improved after half-time.
"We were pretty effective when we got it forward.
"Clearly the critical piece was turning it over (back of centre), which hadn't been an issue all year but it's raised its ugly head the last two weeks."
Taking over ruck duties while Aaron Sandilands’ continues to battle a sore hamstring, Jonathon Griffin was solid, tallying 26 hit-outs, five clearances and 13 disposals. Griffin did make six clangers in the first half, with opposition ruckman Brodie Grundy comfortably outpointing him for most of the match.
Lyon said Sandilands’ absence has no bearing on the final result.
"To progress in this competition you've got to have no excuses – you're going to have personnel changes all the time.
"Everyone's got to play their part and stand up.
"Clearly you would like your best available."
Heading into Saturday, Fremantle sits in eighth place on the ladder and will be desperate for a win before they enjoy a week off in Round 13.
Injury List
Sandilands was a late withdrawal from the match against Collingwood as he continues to battle a hamstring issue.
Lyon confirmed in a press conference this morning that Sandilands will not play on Saturday against the Lions.
Lions Health Centre: Injury List
Hayden Ballantyne, who injured his hamstring in pre-season and is yet to play in 2017, is also a chance at returning on Saturday. The crafty forward is expected to train with the main squad later this week before a decision is made.
Harley Bennell is still a month away from returning from a calf injury while Matthew Uebergang is also on the injury list with a hamstring issue.
