CARLTON has fallen by 14 points to Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

In the Len Hall Tribute Match, the Blues produced another competitive three quarters against one of the competition’s pace-setters, but were overrun late in the 16.7 (103) to 13.11 (89) defeat.

Youngster Matthew Carroll continued his strong personal form with a career-best 21 disposals, while Sam Walsh typically fought all night with 32 possessions and a goal.

Drawing within five points late in the third term and keeping pace with the Dockers, the Blues would’ve left WA disappointed with their 20 minutes either side of three-quarter time, conceding six consecutive goals to ultimately fall short.

Carlton was up against it in the early going, with Fremantle’s midfield well on top. The home side produced the opening 12 clearances of the game, dominating territory and putting the Blues defence under pressure.

Nick Haynes stood up well with eight first-quarter disposals, while the Blues had their own chances at the other end in a smaller, more open forward line in the absence of Harry McKay.

Mitch McGovern battled strongly and kicked the Blues’ first of the game, while classy ball use from Jacob Weitering and Adam Cerra generated Brodie Kemp’s first of the night.

The goal-for-goal nature of the game continued in the middle two quarters, with captain Patrick Cripps (24 contested possessions, 11 clearances) beginning to impose himself at the contest.

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AFL R7 | No glasses no worries: Evans swivels off a step

Francis Evans goes around the body to convert a crucial chance in the context of the game

Kemp loomed large inside 50, while the Blues’ commitment to the cause was demonstrated with courageous aerial contests from Matthew Carroll and Ollie Florent.

On three occasions, the Blues got back within a kick of the Dockers, but were unable to get the go-ahead goal in front of a raucous capacity crowd at Optus Stadium.

What became a feature of the Blues’ game was what has eluded them so far in 2026, that being their transition game: playing on quicker from the back half, the Blues started to generate scoring opportunities from their back half.

But it was at the centre bounce where the Dockers remained potent, turning a five-point lead into a 41-point ascendancy early in the final term.

To the Blues’ credit, they never wavered and continued to play out the game. Kemp equalled kicked his fourth goal, Walsh hit the scoreboard with a brilliant goal and Cripps brought his side back within 14 points with a few minutes left on the clock.

But despite finishing the game full of run and dare, it wasn’t to be for the Blues, falling by 14 points in the west.

FREMANTLE     3.3     8.4     11.7       16.7 (103)
CARLTON          2.1     6.5     8.7        13.11 (89)

GOALS
Carlton: Kemp 4, McGovern 3, Moir 2, Carroll, Cripps, Evans, Walsh