I don't blame just injuries for Freo's 2016 demise. A tough early draw and coaching changes to the game plan has also contributed. But putting all the blame on just coaching and being dismissive of all other reasonable explanations lacks logic. In 2015, Lyon coached a fit Freo to minor premiers, only to be knocked out by the eventual premiers (where once again fitness and injuries had an effect on that Preliminary Final's result, eg. Fyfe broken leg).
To recap 2016;
R1. WB vs FR @Docklands. Expected Loss. No Sandilands or Johnno (and Fyfe < 100%). Freo got belted.
R2. FR vs GC @Subi. Expected Win. Freo's defensive midfield structures failed badly, especially in the 2nd qtr where the game was lost. Lyon identified this and accepted that NEW coaches and game plan was likely responsible.
R3. WC vs FR @Subi. Expected Loss. Freo were competitive until Sandi was injured.
R4. NM vs FR @Docklands. Expected Loss. No Sandilands. Freo competitive.
R5. FR vs CA @Subi. Expected Win. No Sandilands. Fyfe breaks his leg and plays less than a half of football. Johnson injures knee. Freo competitive. Lose by 4points.
At this point, Freo were 0-5. Sandilands, Fyfe, Johnno are ruled out for most (or all) of the remaining season. It became obvious to most, with these injuries, Freo would struggle to make the finals. Freo begin to play more youth.
By the end of Round 8, Freo are 0-8. 6 of those 8 losses were against top 8 teams and 5 of those were away games. Freo's comprehensive losses were against WB, HA & AD, all away games against top4 teams.
R9. FR vs RI @Subi. Freo are missing Sandilands, Fyfe, Johnno, Hill, Barlow.
So, while I believe it is fair to be critical of coaching (particularly at the start of 2016), it is unfair to dismiss injuries and Freo's early draw.
By rights, Freo's early draw should be better in 2017. Hopefully their injuries will be less and the coached game plan will be clearer. That is why I believe they will make the finals in 2017.