FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon was bitterly disappointed the Dockers became "unrecognisable" after quarter-time in Sunday's shock four-point loss to Carlton, their third defeat against a bottom-three outfit this season.

After surging to a 29-point lead at quarter-time against the last-placed Blues at Optus Stadium, Freo appeared on track for an eighth victory that would have lifted them a win clear inside the top eight.  

But Carlton stunned the Dockers, getting on top around the clearances and storming home with four goals in the last 10 minutes to snatch a memorable road win in a stretch Lyon labelled "not ideal".  

"Really disappointing. Strong, disciplined start in the conditions, really positive start. From there you should get it done at home," Lyon said.

"It was a strong conversation at half-time, we felt we were unrecognisable from what we were in the first how we were using the ball, taking ground and surging.  

"We felt like we gave them an invitation back into the game, for whatever reason. Ultimately, I'm responsible. 

"From there it was an arm-wrestle all day." 

OUT OF THE BLUE Full match coverage and stats

Lyon didn't have an answer to why the Dockers – who have beaten three other top-eight teams – haven't been able to put strugglers Gold Coast, Melbourne or Carlton away and, in turn, jeopardised their finals hopes.

"I think you've got be careful (labelling) the bottom teams. Melbourne were a prelim finalist. All the numbers said they should have another three wins on the board bar accuracy," Lyon said.  

"Carlton, to their credit, are playing better football, but we would expect to get that done.

"Gold Coast, round two, they were up and about with full availability. In all games we were in winning positions also. 

"It's a long season. I think our effort has been incredibly consistent. No one could question our effort to round 14.

"You look at some other teams that are even higher up on the echelon of the ladder have had some blowout games, because that does happen.  

"They're not machines, as much as we try to prepare them and get them up every week, it's a difficult thing to do." 

WATCH The last two minutes

Lyon pointed to few pundits tipping the Dockers to challenge for the eight before the season started as a clear sign his side is performing above expectations at 7-7.  

"We've found ourselves in every game. Where we were categorised at the start of the year and rated, I think we're performing really well," he said.

"But we want to continue to write our own story and improve. That's all you can do, the winning and losing takes care of itself." 

WATCH Ross Lyon's full post-match media conference

After coughing up four valuable points, the Dockers enter next Saturday night's 50th Western Derby in a precarious position, holding onto eighth spot by 1.7 per cent.  

Fremantle could regain tall Rory Lobb from a foot injury, and hope Aaron Sandilands will play his first game for the year – most likely in the WAFL – after repeat calf woes.