CARLTON coach Brett Ratten was delighted with his side's defensive pressure in its 30-point win against Fremantle, a performance he described as outstanding.

The Blues led by 57 points at one stage before late goals to Fremantle saw the game at Patersons Stadium finish 16.19 (115) to 12.13 (85).

While he was thrilled with small forward Eddie Betts' six-goal haul and an excellent midfield effort from the likes of Chris Judd (34 disposals), Marc Murphy (31) and Bryce Gibbs (29), Ratten said his team's defensive intensity was particularly pleasing.

"Some of the things that we spoke about from last weekend's [76-point win against Melbourne] and then had to transfer it to this weekend's game, I thought we applied really well, and defensively, I thought that was just brilliant," Ratten said.

"The last maybe eight or nine minutes of the game we fell away maybe just with the rotations and the run. But pretty much for the whole game, I was ecstatic with how we played. I thought it was an outstanding performance.

"Our pressure around the ball allowed us to get the ball to ground and really put some pressure on their kickers. I thought our team defence and then our ability to run offensively was very good and very exciting."

A huge part of Carlton's victory was built on its ability to dominate the midfield early. The Blues won the clearances 25-7 in the first half and ended up with a 43-25 advantage, led by the likes of Judd (eight clearances), Andrew Walker (six) and Gibbs (four).

Ratten said that ability to control the possession and flow of the game was a crucial factor and was encouraging heading into the finals.

"If the opposition are going to have that opportunity to hurt you on a fast break, centre bounces are the key to that," he said.

"I thought early on in the game, Judd and co. were just brilliant in there. Some of Chris' possessions weren't clean early in the game but I thought his work inside early was just brilliant play."

The one downside was a nasty collision that left Bret Thornton with a large bruise on his face and saw him leave the venue in an ambulance.

"He's hit like a blood vessel or something so it popped up straight away but we'll assess it at the hospital and we'll find out more. Hopefully it's all right, he seems okay," Ratten said.

"Michael Jamison looks like he'll probably play [against Hawthorn] so that will be fantastic for us. We'll have to wait and see what happens with Thornton. [Jarrad] Waite will be an 'assess.' He's a day-by-day, a bit like Jamo, but Jamo has probably made a bit more improvement last week."

Ratten said Carlton wouldn't let its battle for a top four spot with West Coast and Hawthorn prove a distraction ahead of Friday's game against the Hawks at Etihad Stadium.