Dockers further certify their top four credentials

The Dockers have taken another big step towards September defeating the Brisbane Lions by 14-points at Optus Stadium.

Inspired by four goals from Bailey Banfield and 39-disposals, nine clearances and 16 contested possessions from Andrew Brayshaw the Dockers outlasted several Lions challenges to win 15.9.99 to 13.7.85.

Coach Justin Longmuir didn't want to admit to being contenders for the flag but was thrilled with his teams ability for their footy to stack up against the best.

"We knew we’d have to go the distance, they’re a really strong contested ball unit and I thought we didn’t get the game our way the whole day, but we stuck to the task and we found a way." Longmuir said.

"They (the players) should start believing, they should start understanding that we’ve made some really strong progression with our footy. We’ve come up against two of the best contested teams the past two weeks and I think we’ve stood up in that part of the game in particular."

The Dockers face Hawthorn next week in Perth with Fremantle expecting the return of skipper Nat Fyfe after he turned out for Peel Thunder on Saturday.

Longmuir telling the media post-game that Fyfe had pulled up well.

"It was good to see him back, he was a little bit rusty but he got better as the game went on. It was exactly how he thought he’d perform, and as coaches it’s how we thought he’d perform and he bridged a gap."

Saturday's clash will be the last for the Dockers before their mid-season bye.

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