FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says some of his fringe players failed to stitch up a round one berth in the Dockers' scrappy win over Adelaide in Mount Barker.

Lyon conceded the Crows were the better side on Sunday despite the Dockers coming away with a two-point win.

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The Dockers entered the match without first-choice players David Mundy, Aaron Sandilands, Lee Spurr, Hayden Ballantyne and star recruit Harley Bennell.

Lyon said some of his players failed to grasp their chance to cement a spot for round one.

"I thought a couple didn't put their best foot forward today," Lyon said.

"I think people that are trying to cement spots, certainly I didn't think there was anyone (in that category) that really sewed it up.

"I thought they were solid without stamping it."

Lyon did not name names but he thought the ruck combination of Jon Griffin and Jack Hannath was just "OK" in the absence of Aaron Sandilands.

The Dockers' star ruckman was left out against the Crows despite being fully fit. He did a solid running session post-match and Lyon said he might not even play in the Dockers' last NAB Challenge match.

"We probably won't even play him against Geelong, to be truthful, because he doesn't need it," Lyon said.

"He had a great summer."

Lyon said Mundy, Ballantyne, Bennell, Spurr and ruckman Zac Clarke were all set to play against the Cats in a fortnight. The Dockers have three days off before returning for a heavy weekend of training ahead of the last NAB Challenge match on March 12.

They appear to have come out of the win unscathed as well. Matthew Pavlich and Clancee Pearce both failed to play the second half after experiencing some tightness and Zac Dawson and Michael Johnson were also rested in the second half.

While Lyon was frustrated with his side's performance, Crows coach Don Pyke was pleased despite the wayward kicking in front of goal.

He said the Crows were likely to play a pretty strong side in their third NAB Challenge match against Gold Coast on March 11.

WATCH: Don Pyke's full post-match media conference

"We'll assess what we've got in terms of numbers," Pyke said.

"But we'll probably more or less prepare that as a bit of a dress rehearsal."



The Crows have 12 days before they head to Metricon Stadium to face the Suns.