Coach Ross Lyon was rapt that when Fremantle needed a lift on Sunday, his three indigenous players came to the fore.

Stephen Hill honoured the AFL’s indigenous round with a best-afield performance of four goals and 24 disposals as Fremantle beat the Western Bulldogs by 38 points.

Lyon had made a point before the match of reminding Hill, Michael Johnson and Danyle Pearce about the significance of this weekend.

When the Bulldogs closed to within 18 points at the start of the last term, that trio helped spark the Dockers.

“We speak about purpose and we did mention it – I spoke to those guys individually, honour the day with great effort,” Lyon said.

“They had an opportunity to express themselves and it’s no coincidence that at three-quarter time it was Stephen Hill, Michael Johnson and Danyle Pearce who really got us going.

“We acknowledged that after the game because sometimes there’s a greater purpose than the team or the club or your own family.

“They represented their people today and I thought it was absolutely super.”

Apart from the game-high goal tally, Hill also stood out with his relentless gut running up and down the field.

“It’s good to get the win in indigenous round and to see those boys play well and step up,” he said of Johnson and Pearce.

But Hill also conceded that Fremantle need to play better.

“There were a few disappointing things – we gave up way too many (inside 50) entries to them,” he said.

“It put the defenders under pressure, but they did well.

“Also clearances and ground ball, they dominated us.

“There are a few things we need to work on and keep improving on, but we used the ball well.

“We just kept fighting it out.”