Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says he wants Matthew Pavlich to play out the AFL season, saying his presence will help the team through its current rough patch.

The Dockers’ finals hopes are already over after slipping to a 0-7 record.

Pavlich will be rested for Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn in Launceston, but Lyon says he’s been happy with the veteran’s form and doesn’t want him to retire before the end of the season.