Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has urged critics to leave Hayden Ballantyne alone and save their barbs for his midfield, after the Dockers’ leading goal kicker endured another AFL finals shocker.

Ballantyne, who was criticised after an ineffective performance in last season’s grand final, had minimal impact on Saturday’s preliminary final at ANZ Stadium.

He failed to add to hs 49 goals for the year in the 24-point loss to Sydney.

The All Australian-nominated forward kicked 0.2 and collected just seven touches.

He came off the ground briefly in the third quarter, but Lyon insisted there was no injury problem.

“I think your performance is fairly pretty well delivered by the third and he went back on, so it didn’t affect his performance and he was OK,” Lyon said.

Ballantyne and fellow small forward Michael Walters, who was held to 12 touches and kicked 1.1, were well contained by Sydney’s All Australian-nominated defender Nick Smith and Dane Rampe.

Lyon gave several reasons for Ballantyne’s performance but made it clear his midfielders deserved more criticism.

“It’s a small-type ground, it was really slippery, there was plenty of water and rain,” Lyon said.

“He played on great opponents and (had) limited supply, so I’d leave Hayden alone.

“If you want to pot anyone, pot our midfield. Let’s leave Hayden alone because he’s a great little player.”

Lyon felt Walters and Ballantyne played their parts in helping the Dockers slash Sydney’s 22-point three-quarter time lead to 10 early in the last term.

“I thought they looked dangerous at all times,” Lyon said.

“They take a lot of minding.

“Nick Smith is a very good player.

“Sometimes it’s a bit about ‘Did the mids get in and help enough?’ and those sort of things. Were they outnumbered?”

Lyon also defended the effort of promising young key forward Matt Taberner, who was held to five touches and one mark.

“We really rate him. He’s been super,” Lyon said.

“He’s exceeding what most young players do.

“You can’t buy experience. He’ll grow from this. He’ll learn.”

Veteran Dockers forward Matthew Pavlich was one shining light, kicking 4.1.

“I thought Matthew was terrific. The rest of our forwards I wouldn’t have said they had their best day,” Lyon said.