Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon has backed small forward Hayden Ballantyne to find form after an interrupted start to the year.

Ballantyne had 13 disposals against the Bulldogs in Sunday’s 13-point win at Etihad Stadium and kicked just three points.

It was his third game back since a two-game suspension following Round 2.

Lyon told 6PR Sports Today on Monday that Ballantyne was progressing well.

“He’s building (but) I wouldn’t say he’s at his absolute peak,” he said.

“He had three shot son goal and he laid some ripping tackles.”

Ballantyne says there is plenty of room to improve for Freo

Ballantyne is renowned for his work-rate and tackling pressure, which earned him an All Australian jersey in 2014.

“I think he’ll continue to come to hand and be really good for us,” he said.