FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey believes his side's current pain could prove to be a long term gain, after the Dockers lost three players before losing by four points in a thrilling Sunday afternoon clash with Essendon.

The Dockers again came within a kick of a win, but yet again could not find the killer blow as the Bombers emerged from a frantic finish to win 14.11 (95) to 13.13 (91).

It was the sixth time Fremantle have lost by single figures this year - their eighth loss by less than three goals - and came following hamstring injuries to Roger Hayden and Ryley Dunn and a punctured lung which hospitalised Ryan Crowley.

And while pointing to the lack of rotation options, and his side's battling qualities, Harvey said he stressed to the players narrow losses must still hurt and not be accepted in an increasingly disappointing season.

"We lost three players before the game and three during the game, so not a lot went right," Harvey said.

"We had to sustain the three quarters with limited rotations. To see them outscore the opposition in the last quarter that typified them, and that is what should typify the rest of the season.

"But it has got to hurt. The fact we are continually losing those games by small margins.

"We keep coming up, and somewhere along the line when everything turns around you will be able to draw on what we are going through - and you will probably see this will help the playing group from a mental aspect and a physical aspect."

With Matthew Pavlich again starring with six goals, Aaron Sandilands and Robbie Warnock dominated tap outs and Chris Mayne probably secured himself a Rising Star nomination with his 22 touches.

But a period at the end of the third quarter, when Essendon kicked three goals, proved fatal. Bombers coach Matthew Knights said despite a third win in a row, he was not considering a possible finals appearance.

"My mantra as a coach is to develop the Essendon footy club and go after the vision of bringing a young group through aggressively," Knights said.

"Even after today we are two games and percentage - a long way out. We must work harder now … and keep going with developing players, so when we do get good we stay good."

Harvey said the ability to find the vital score when needed was an element in his side he thought was lacking.

"Just being able to kick the goal when we need to get back into the game or when we need to space the game," Harvey said.

"We had six or seven young players, I am not discounting what Essendon did today - but I think I am getting the best out of the playing group at the present time.

"We give the fans value for money even if they are not winning."

With a week off before a daunting clash with Geelong at Skilled Stadium, the experience of Jeff Farmer and Heath Black will be available after they were both dropped this week for missing mandatory sessions last week.

But Harvey sent a strong message that they would not be automatic returns, despite both having solid games with South Fremantle.

"Not necessarily, no. At some stage those blokes have really got to wake up to themselves," Harvey said.

"If you want to be undisciplined at this footy club then you go and pay your penance."