Fremantle's Luke McPharlin says Ross Lyon has created the best culture he has experienced

FREMANTLE stalwart Luke McPharlin says Ross Lyon has helped create the best culture he has experienced at the Dockers and he has never enjoyed his footy more.

FREMANTLE stalwart Luke McPharlin says Ross Lyon has helped create the best culture he has experienced at the Dockers and he has never enjoyed his footy more.

McPharlin has also played under former coaches Chris Connolly and Mark Harvey in his 12 years at the club.

"In terms of the culture around the club at the moment, it's certainly the strongest it's been,'' the All-Australian defender said.

"I'm really enjoying playing for Ross and Ross's influence on the group.

"It's just a really strong culture where we all play our roles to the best of our ability and bring great effort.

''It's a fairly simple model, but it's very effective and I've really enjoyed playing in this environment and hopefully the success will continue.''

McPharlin revealed the Dockers had used the pain of last year's semi-final exit to Adelaide as a spur ahead of yesterday's seven-point win over the Crows.

Fremantle led by 29 points during the second quarter of that knockout final and led again in the final term before eventually losing by 10 points.

"We were aware that Adelaide had beaten us the last three times we'd played them, and certainly the final was something that was in the back of our mind today and we spoke about that a couple of days ago as well,'' he said.

"We wanted to come over here and be very competitive and really put up a strong performance.''
McPharlin, 31, said he was looking forward to a 14-day break.

"It's been a solid ten weeks. We've travelled all over the place,'' he said.

"We're looking forward to having a week of relaxation and just get our heads out of football for a while and then we'll switch back in the following Monday.''

In further good news for the Dockers, midfielder Stephen Hill said he pulled up well after making his return from a quad strain.

Hill, who gathered 24 touches and had five clearances, had missed the past four matches - the longest injury layoff in his 95-game career.

"It was great to get back out there again with the boys, and especially to get the win before the bye,'' Hill said.

"It felt good today and it's pulled up fine. I was just looking to play my role for the team.

"Hopefully we can reload and get ready for the rest of the season.''

McPharlin has been acting captain with Matthew Pavlich sidelined with injury, but is likely to hand back the role with Pavlich likely to resume in the next game against Brisbane.

"I've really enjoyed it but we'll certainly welcome Pav back when he comes back in,'' he said.

"I'm supported by some great leaders in David Mundy, Chris Mayne, Hayden Ballantyne, so they've certainly helped me in this role and Ross has empowered me in this role as well.''