SUMMARY
For the neutral observer, there isn't much to recommend about this contest, but it will still mean plenty for Fremantle and Carlton. The Dockers were seething after a spiteful Western Derby and need to refocus ahead of a match they should win comfortably at home, with the chance to equal last year's eight victories. Freo could receive a boost with Harley Bennell (calf) hopeful of playing his first game since round 23 last season, while superstar skipper Nat Fyfe (hamstring) will also be pushing to return. The Blues were embarrassed by the Giants in a 105-point poleaxing last Sunday, when their injury-hit opponent had only 16 players on the field at times in the final quarter, and, after a woeful two-win season, rumblings of discontent will only grow louder if they can't compete against the rebuilding Dockers. If Carlton wants to avoid a fifth wooden spoon since 2002, this is a must-win encounter.
WHERE AND WHEN: Optus Stadium, Sunday, August 12, 2.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2018, Fremantle 15.13 (103) d Carlton 6.10 (46) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2017, Fremantle 13.8 (96) d Carlton 7.9 (51) at Subiaco Oval
R5, 2016, Carlton 10.12 (72) d Fremantle 9.14 (68) at Subiaco Oval
R16, 2015, Fremantle 13.17 (95) d Carlton 8.5 (53) at Subiaco Oval
R19, 2014, Fremantle 12.11 (83) d Carlton 11.12 (78) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The contest was over by half-time in round 13 after the Dockers kicked 12 goals to seven behinds in the first half. Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe finished best on ground with 30 disposals and two goals.
2. Don't expect a shootout. The Dockers average 71 points (AFL No.14), and the Blues barely manage 10 goals per game (61 points, AFL No.17).
3. Fremantle has dominated Carlton recently, winning five of the last six matches with an average winning margin of 35 points.
4. These teams are the lowest contested possession sides this season. The Dockers are 17th averaging 135.5 per game, and the Blues last (135.4 per game).
5. The teams will play at Optus Stadium for the first time. Fremantle has won three of the last four clashes between the sides in Perth. Carlton has lost 14 of their last 17 matches interstate.
6. Freo star Michael Walters missed the thumping 57-point win over Carlton in round 11 due to suspension and the Dockers' leading goalkicker looms as the danger man for the Blues. Walters has climbed 20 spots on the Schick AFL Player Ratings leaderboard to 56th overall in the past four weeks.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
A humiliating loss to the rampaging Giants was one thing, but third-year Blues coach Brendon Bolton will come under all sorts of pressure if he can't inspire a much more competitive display against Fremantle.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by 29 points
