A BIG scalp. 

Carlton overturned a first-quarter deficit to storm home in front of a passionate home crowd at Marvel Stadium, accounting for Fremantle by 31 points.

Sam Walsh produced a career-best showing in terms of disposals while Coleman Medal leader Charlie Curnow (four goals) was once again prolific in front of goal as the Blues' 10th win for the season was underpinned by its pressure and system.

Quarter one 

Despite dominating the contested and territory battle, it was Fremantle’s quarter on the scoreboard as Carlton struggled to find its feet going forward. The Dockers registered the first three goals on the board, holding up against a barrage of the Blues' forward entries and hurting the hosts on the counter. Despite 19 inside 50s, it took until the final moments for Carlton to convert its first goal via the left boot of Harry McKay, who loomed as Carlton's biggest forward threat early. Corey Durdin and late inclusion Jesse Motlop - who was elevated from sub into the starting line-up after a calf injury to Matthew Owies - were busy at the fall of the ball, while Sam Walsh lent a hand in defensive 50. Patrick Cripps and Matt Kennedy had the better of the clearances, but the Blues had a nine-point deficit to negotiate at the end of the first term.

Quarter two 

The Blues found their goalkicking boots in the second term, scoring five goals to the Dockers’ one. Charlie Curnow got some reward for effort with two majors, while Matt Cottrell, Lochie O’Brien and milestone man Jack Newnes all contributed a goal each bursting forward from the wing. Tom De Koning battled it out in the air while Walsh was dominant in the centre, recording 13 disposals in the second term at 100 per cent efficiency. Zac Fisher had some great score involvements with his precise kicking, as Lewis Young and Brodie Kemp held their own in the defensive end. Jack Silvagni was impactful all over the ground as Carlton registered its dominance in contested possessions and tackles, going into the main change 15 points up. 

Quarter three

It was a slow start to the quarter, with neither side able to hit the scoreboard. Eventually, after a strong tackle from McKay, Cottrell was able to kick an exciting running goal after a one-two with Durdin. It wasn’t the only goal assist of the quarter for the small forward, whose left-foot pass for Jack Silvagni produced a much-needed major after consecutive Fremantle majors. The Dockers spent a fair share of the quarter in their forward 50, putting the Blues’ defenders under constant pressure. Docherty was a consistent presence while Lewis Young and Nic Newman produced some physical moments to hold their opponents at bay. Things started to swing the Blues’ way in the back-half of the quarter, and the last goal of the term was always going to be pivotal: Curnow kicked his third goal in the final minute of the term, putting the Blues 20 points ahead at the final change.

Quarter four

Curnow’s fourth goal was just the way the Blues would have wanted to start their final term, giving them a 26-point lead. Good link-up play from defence and some hard running resulted in O’Brien’s second goal - the fifth major contributed by Carlton’s wingmen - as the Blues started to feel the momentum at Marvel Stadium. It was the pressure of Motlop which proved crucial in O’Brien’s goal, as Carlton’s small-forward brigade maintained the pressure they displayed over four quarters. In the closing stages, Walsh amassed his 40th disposal — a career-best for the midfield gun. It was a big win for the Blues, with Curnow and the impressive Tom De Koning chairing off 200-gamer Newnes in his milestone game.

Three things from the game 

1. Spread the load. The Blues didn’t have any shortage of goalkickers today, and were able able to find different sources for majors outside of the usual culprits in Curnow (four goals) and McKay (two goals). Most impressive was the return of Carlton’s wingers, with Matt Cottrell slotting two goals in a career-best showing, O’Brien matching his return and Newnes kicking a second-quarter major.

2. Sam Walsh played a dominant game for the Blues, gathering a career-high 40 disposals on the way to a likely three-vote performance. Surging the Blues out of the middle, Walsh - who contributed a game-high 543 metres gained - was all over the ground. Supported by a well-rounded midfield group, the challenge was put out to the players by Michael Voss to impact the contest — the co-vice captain stood up.

3. While the scoreboard may not have reflected it early, the Blues were on from the opening bounce. Their willingness to get in the face of the opposition put the Dockers under all sorts of pressure, led by a group of small forwards who ran all day. Carlton’s 17 tackles inside 50 was indicative of their appetite for the contest and, ultimately, the win.

CARLTON                 1.3     6.5     9.7        12.9 (81)
FREMANTLE           3.0     4.2     6.5        7.8 (50)

GOALS
Carlton: Curnow 4, Cottrell 2, O’Brien 2, McKay, Newnes, Silvagni

BEST
Carlton: Walsh, Fisher, Docherty, Curnow, Cottrell, Young, Hewett, De Koning

Crowd: 35,441