FREMANTLE youngster Connor Blakely needs to tidy up his disposal, says coach Ross Lyon.

After receiving a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round 11, the in-and-under Blakely was a surprise omission from the Dockers' squad that will face the Sydney Swans at Domain Stadium on Sunday.

Blakely, Nick Suban and Jon Griffin have all been omitted.

Lyon said Blakely's ball use was the major issue.

"His disposal, he's turning it over more than we would like working on the spread," Lyon said on Friday.
 
"But young players, Darcy Tucker went back, Ed Langdon went back, so sometimes you've got to alleviate the pressure valve on them. It's pretty tough, young mids against big inside mids. He's disappointed obviously but he'll bounce back with good character and we should see him again before the end of the year."
 
Blakely went at 72.2 per cent efficiency with his 18 disposals last week against Gold Coast and had no clangers. David Mundy's 22 disposals went at 72.7 per cent with two clangers. Danyle Pearce went at 72 per cent with his 25 touches and committed four clangers. Lachie Neale had eight clangers and went at 64 per cent although he collected 42 disposals. Stephen Hill operated at 66 per cent with his 21 disposals and also committed two clangers.

Blakely is one of eight Dockers to have averaged more than 20 disposals per game this season. His overall disposal efficiency of 70.9 per cent ranks him fifth of those eight, ahead of Michael Barlow, David Mundy and Stephen Hill. He's also committed the fewest clangers (1.7 per game) of any of those eight players.

But Lyon said it was a good opportunity for him to go back to the WAFL and improve away from the spotlight.

"He'll go down there with some of those focuses but a bit less pressure," Lyon said.

"Certainly it worked really well for Ed Langdon and hopefully it's worked for Darcy Tucker and we think it's an opportunity for Connor.

"I think that's the art form. It's not an exact science.

"It's a bit like Nick Suban, he couldn't try and harder but for the last two weeks he hasn't touched the ball much … it's a strong opportunity for him to go back and get some possessions without that extreme pressure and scrutiny of broadcast games and reviews publicly and fans. It's just a different kettle of fish."

Griffin has also been dropped on form as Lyon was pleased with Zac Clarke's return in the ruck last week against the Suns.

Matthew Pavlich returns for his 350th match after he was rested last week.

Lyon confirmed that Matt de Boer would definitely play following some excellent form in the WAFL.