In the space of nine days, Fremantle stunned ladder leaders Geelong to keep their finals hopes alive then exited the race to September with an error-riddled loss to also-rans St Kilda.

It’s a frustrating sequence that provides an accurate snapshot of the Dockers’ roller coaster season.

Ross Lyon’s men looked set to live to fight another day when Brandon Matera kicked the first goal of a tense final term at Marvel Stadium to give his side a nine-point lead.

But Jack Steven then Josh Bruce goaled with less than three minutes left to rip finals off the agenda for Fremantle, who dropped to 12th with a 9-11 record and poor percentage on the back of the 10.12 (72) to 10.9 (69) defeat.

“Of course we’re frustrated … I would think that our finals opportunity is closed,” Lyon said.

“But to come interstate and compete like we did … I can’t really question the effort.

“There was a lot we did right but, of course, I’m frustrated.”

Skipper Nat Fyfe put on another masterclass, almost dragging his team across the line with 35 possessions, seven clearances and two goals, with Ed Langdon (28 disposals) and Bradley Hill (27) also important.

While conceding making finals this season is only a mathematical prospect, 2019 is by no means a lost year in Lyon’s eyes.

“We feel like there’s been real growth,” he said.

“We would like to think that if our midfield drives the ball in and … if we could have Jesse Hogan, Matt Taberner and Brennan Cox (all out injured) on the end bringing it to ground.

“Then (injured trio) Alex Pearce, Stephen Hill and Luke Ryan bringing it off half-back I think it’s really exciting for us going forward.

“We feel there has been real growth in our system and our young players.”