VETERAN defender Michael Johnson might still have a role to play for Fremantle this season after gun backman Alex Pearce broke his thumb in Sunday's heart-stopping victory over Adelaide at Optus Stadium.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon revealed Pearce bravely played through the injury for the second half of their three-point triumph, and is now facing a stint on the sidelines.

DOCKERS HOLD ON Full match coverage and stats

"He played on without an injection, so he's a pretty tough kid, I don't know how many people could do that," Lyon said post-match.

"There will be surgery, I would think, they'll have to pin it. There's a bit going on there, so how he played it out I don't know. They're pretty tough kids aren't they?

"He'll probably miss a number of weeks I would think."

With young backman Griffin Logue going down with a two-month ankle injury for Peel on Saturday – in just his second game this year after foot trouble – Johnson could be in line to return.

The 33-year-old made way alongside Danyle Pearce and Hayden Ballantyne after Freo's round 10 loss to North Melbourne, when Lyon pledged to double down on the club's rebuild.

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But Johnson or Taylin Duman, who was a late withdrawal on Sunday after hurting his back getting out of his car, could be in contention for the trip to face Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

"(Johnson) played quite well at Peel. I really respect Michael. In my tenure, there's no one I regard higher than Michael," Lyon said.

"He was the first one to hug me when I came down the steps (after the win). He'll play a part but he understands what his part is and what we're trying to do.

"He'll pick up the baton, if need be.

"We've been promoting youth for a couple of years now, it would be fair to say.

"He still wants to play, he's pretty proud and he's leading our young players at Peel.

"He's such a good person, he works hard, (is) a role model."

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Lyon was thrilled with his side's effort against the undermanned Crows, with Freo taking 13 players with fewer than 45 games' experience into the clash and getting over the line without influential duo Nat Fyfe or Aaron Sandilands.

Michael Apeness (10 disposals, five marks) competed strongly against Sam Jacobs in the ruck, while Joel Hamling and Pearce led a backline which held the Crows to nine goals.

Young gun Adam Cerra was exceptional with 30 disposals across half-back, while emerging tall Brennan Cox booted a career-best four majors.

WATCH Ross Lyon's full post-match media conference

Lyon was pleased Cox was rewarded for his hard work, including on his previously wayward goalkicking.

"(He's putting in) hard work in the gym, one-on-one body work, repeat effort, repeat effort with someone on him and just shaving off a rough edge all the time," Lyon said.

"His food choices are getting better, all that goes into the mix, and his intensity and ability to concentrate for longer periods.

"He's a wonderful athlete, he's just going to get bigger, stronger and quicker, you saw a bit of that today."