Fremantle Dockers vs Carlton Blues Preview
Carlton are 1-5 for the season, the polar opposite of Fremantle at 5-1 record. This is tipped to follow the trend of the season, but a low-scoring game can see the Blues stay within the 36.5-point line.
- Carlton’s past five matches have been decided by 28 points or less.
- The past six matches between the two sides have averaged a total of 146 points.
- Sam Walsh has had 30+ disposals in four of his past five matches against Fremantle.
- Jordan Clark has had 25+ disposals in his past two matches and 30+ in his past two against Carlton.
Head to Head Stats
Fremantle were 27-point winners at the venue in Round 21 last season, kicking seven goals to one in the last term. Luke Jackson was dominant in the ruck, while Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Patrick Voss kicked three goals apiece.
Carlton won the three matches prior to that over the Dockers. The past six between the two sides have all been decided by margins below 39.5 points.
Fremantle Dockers Form - Dockers Impress at 5-1
The Dockers have matured into a composed unit and have won five of their six matches this season. That record could easily be 6-0 if not for a second-half fade in Round 1 against Geelong.
Since then, Fremantle have shown an ability to win tight, contested games, edging Adelaide by two points and Collingwood by six before last weekend’s 56-point win in the Western Derby against West Coast.
Jye Amiss booted five goals in the Derby and continues a strong run of form, while Patrick Voss added three. The Dockers’ three-pronged attack of Amiss, Voss and Josh Treacy has combined for 40 goals this season, giving them multiple scoring avenues.
Jordan Clark was outstanding last weekend with 27 disposals and over 600 metres gained, driving Fremantle’s ball movement from half-back, while Hayden Young made an immediate impact in his return with 23 disposals and eight inside 50s.
Carlton Blues Form - Surrending Winning Positions
Carlton sit at 1-5 and have struggled to close out matches, repeatedly surrendering winning positions. That trend continued last weekend, giving up an 18-point three-quarter-time lead to lose by five points to Collingwood.
The Blues are averaging just 79 points per game and have yet to score more than 86, while conceding around 100 per game. Their inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities and convert momentum into scoreboard pressure has been a consistent issue.
Against Collingwood, they showed improved ball movement and transition play, but once again failed to sustain it for long enough. A burst from the opposition in the final quarter proved decisive, exposing their inability to absorb pressure late in games.
Sam Walsh (28 disposals) and Patrick Cripps (25) were again prominent, while Mitch McGovern continues to provide a target up forward, kicking three goals last weekend and at least two in five consecutive matches.
Team News
The Dockers go in unchanged for the Anzac Day clash.
For Carlton, Harry McKay and Marc Pittonet are out injured, while Elijah Hollands is also absent. Liam Reidy, Cooper Lord and Ashton Moir come in.