SUMMARY
Carlton will be hopeful of recording its second win of the season when it takes on a Fremantle side yet to record a victory on the road so far this year. The Blues are fresh off the bye, but face a Dockers outfit that is set to welcome back superstar captain Nat Fyfe from suspension. Fremantle's youngsters looked promising in an upset win over Adelaide last week, but Carlton has responded from a disappointing performance against Melbourne with competitive showings against Geelong and Sydney in recent weeks. The match will pit stoppage bulls Patrick Cripps and Fyfe against one another in what is set to be an enthralling individual contest in the midfield. Whether young Dockers prospects like Adam Cerra and Brennan Cox can back up last week's promising showings could go a long way to deciding Saturday's contest.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 16, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 9, 2017: Fremantle 13.8 (86) d Carlton 7.9 (51) at Subiaco
Rd 5, 2016: Carlton 10.12 (72) d Fremantle 9.14 (68) at Subiaco
Rd 16, 2015: Fremantle 13.17 (95) d Carlton 8.5 (53) at Subiaco
Rd 19, 2014: Fremantle 12.11 (83) d Carlton 11.12 (78) at Subiaco
Rd 19, 2013: Fremantle 17.14 (116) d Carlton 12.8 (80) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Carlton led narrowly at half-time when the two sides played in 2017, before Fremantle kicked eight goals to two in the second half. Lachie Neale was the star with 37 disposals, eight clearances and one goal.
2. Fremantle has won four of the last five clashes between the two sides. Carlton's last two wins have been close, by four points in 2016 and eight points in 2012.
3. Both sides have struggled to take the ball inside 50 this season. Fremantle is 15th, averaging 50.3 per game, and Carlton is last with an average of 46.8 per game.
4. The two teams have played four times at Etihad Stadium, with Fremantle winning three games to one. Carlton has lost six of its last eight games at Etihad Stadium since the start of 2017.
5. The Blues will be hoping to end their unwanted streak of 44 consecutive games without kicking 100 points in a game. Fremantle hasn’t reached the century since round five.
6. Many think Patrick Cripps would be leading Carlton's best and fairest at the halfway point of the season, but Ed Curnow tops him in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Curnow is averaging 13.9 points per game (overall No.32), leading Cripps with 13.6 points per game (overall No.42).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Carlton will need to kick a score to overcome Fremantle and Matthew Wright could be central to that in his 150th game. A shrewd recruit for the Blues since he joined the club, Wright has kicked just two goals in his last four matches.
PREDICTION: Carlton by 15 points.
