Robert Shaw believes that it is up to Essendon’s coaches to help the boys overcome any mental fatigue. 

The Bombers were well accounted for by the Dockers on Saturday night, suffering their biggest loss of the season.

While there were still positive signs from the youngsters in Zach Merrett, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Patrick Ambrose, Shaw believed that the performance was indicative of a team that are beginning to feel the pinch of the season. 

“We’re almost halfway through the year and it was the first time we’ve seen a really flat performance. They’re tired, I feel,” said Shaw 

“My concern is, for the reasons that we can understand, it is now a very fatigued side. 

“When I saw fatigued,  I don’t mean whether you can run 3km or do your ten 300m. This is a mental fatigue issue and it’s a big challenge for the coaches. 

“They’ve got to front up on Friday night to the reigning premiers in a very big game with a national audience.

“Therefore, the challenge for the coaches is not going to be a physical one. It’s got to be a mental one. Get them fresh.”

Fremantle were on fire from the opening bounce kicking the opening four goals of the game.

They did not take their foot off the pedal, ending the day 79-point winners. 

A return to form of several key Fremantle players, including the important Matthew Pavlich, was ultimately the difference according to Shaw. 

The Dockers were also able to restrict the impact of in form midfielder David Zaharakis, who was held to only 11-disposals a game.

Shaw came to the defence of Zaharakis, seeing this as a very minor hiccup in an otherwise strong season.

“David Zaharakis found himself being tagged heavily Michael Barlow and had his worst game for the year,” said Shaw

“He’s been sensational, so cut him a little bit of slack and understand that he has been one of the big stories of this year. He has lead the midfield, he’s elevated his game."

Shaw also was adament that Essendon's youth should continue to be given the chance to play. 

“Sometimes you ignore the bad game and say, we’re going to go with you again. We’re going to give you that opportunity .

“When you get a message like that from your coach, it’s a really big help to your development.” 

The team faces a short turn around before Friday night's game against the Hawks. 

Despite the challenge, Shaw saw several avenues for coaches to freshen up the list and refocus the team. 

“Make two or three changes to freshen up the list,” said Shaw 

“Have one less meeting, one less training session and just really freshen their minds. 

“It’s not physical, we know it’s personnel. The big issue this week is the tactical fatigue of having to come up week in, week out give effort but be beaten. 

“Sometimes it takes its toll. I think we saw that the other night.”