Fremantle coach Mark Harvey has challenged his Dockers to do their part to prevent a late-season slide ruining their AFL premiership hopes.

Sunday's 82-point surrender to the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium was the Dockers' second defeat in three games, dropped them out of the top four and was a major plunge in what has been a consistent campaign.

Before Sunday's shellacking Fremantle's heaviest loss this year had been the 36-point defeat to Collingwood - now leading the ladder - in round eight.

But with a large injury toll and a derby against cross-town rival West Coast next week, Harvey said he would tell his young players it was vital they responded well.

"Just to keep working on your game and make sure you can evolve," he said after the Bulldogs won 24.14 (158) to 12.4 (76).

"And make sure when the team goes through something like that you're the player who can do something about it."

Harvey said he sensed his side was in trouble almost immediately, when they could not lay tackles on the slick Bulldogs and were powerless to prevent them kicking to teammates in the clear.

Given fourth spot was at stake, the Dockers became pushovers far too easily.

"Physically we weren't at our best, you'd have to say that, but you need to recognise the Bulldogs and how good they were," Harvey said.

"We've got a lot of immaturity in our side, it's fair to say. Don't discount that, but that's not an excuse for being beaten in that area.

"We got beaten in all facets really, from stoppages, from the way we were tackled and the lack of tackling at times." Fremantle were without senior players Chris Tarrant, Ryan Crowley and Kepler Bradley before the trip.

They then lost David Mundy (stomach cramps) before the game, which forced them to call on an already sore Paul Hasleby, who was the only emergency to travel with the team.

Harvey said the Dockers could be bolstered by several returns for next Sunday's derby, and admitted they were needed.

"We've got a long way to go. Absolutely, of course we have," he said.

"When you play 11 first- or second-year players you're going to have your moments." Harvey said the absence of stronger bodies contributed to the down days for skipper Matthew Pavlich and ruckman Aaron Sandilands.

Pavlich was off key early but battled hard to finish with four goals, but Sandilands was out-rucked by Bulldogs Ben Hudson and Jordan Roughead.

"Those two guys (Pavlich and Sandilands) carry a lot of the physical load," Harvey said.

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