The Dockers were admired throughout the pre-season competition for their fast movement of the ball and high skill level, but have only shown glimpses of it in the season proper.
Connolly said his team had struggled to come to terms with flooding tactics, but believed the adaptability of Fremantle's game plan would soon help it win the defensive-type games.
"You need the adaptability in your game plan to move the ball quickly into your forwards and score," he said.
"We've played Hawthorn and Carlton who really flood numbers behind the ball. Adelaide zone their defence back really well, so we've probably played three of the more defensive teams in the competition. Port Adelaide was more of a one-on-one contest.
"The way we move the ball and play footy has been practiced all summer and we've won two games and lost two games.
"Our game plan's fine. (The team's) pre-season form was good so I would expect the players to have a clear understanding of how we play football here at Fremantle. Our game plan evolves from year to year, so there has been a few evolvements to it."
Connolly believed the squad was in better shape than 12 months ago, but conceded it would take time to truly measure the development that had occurred.
"I think we're a better side because we've got more mature players…but other clubs may be saying the same thing," he said.
"It's a tough, even competition and you need to look at it over a period of time."
The Dockers face St Kilda in Launceston on Sunday in a crucial match for both clubs, with Fremantle looking to notch its first win at Aurora Stadium in its sixth attempt.
"I think we've played some pretty good footy at Launceston, but we're pretty keen to win," Connolly said when asked if it was the club's 'hoodoo' ground.
"St Kilda takes you head on, so they really back themselves in the whole time. They've got a lot of really talented players who have been proven performers over quite a period of time."
Midfielder Paul Hasleby will miss the clash after suffering a hip-flexor strain during last Saturday night's loss to the Crows, with recently elevated youngster Paul Duffield a strong chance to be named in the squad.
"There will at least be two (changes to the squad) at this point in time and we'll see how some players pull up and how some train tonight," Connolly said before the team trained on Wednesday.
"(I'm) pretty keen to play Paul, so it just depends on how well he trains. I'd expect him to be a real chance."
