CARLTON has produced a strong performance in a gripping encounter to account for Fremantle.

Putting another big score on the board, the Blues took home the four points against the reigning premiers with a 18.11 (119) to 12.10 (82) victory.

Carlton had contributors everywhere, with Sam Walsh (32 disposals, one goal) leading the way while Francis Evans’ five goals was a career-high.

The Blues had to overcome a red-hot Dockers outfit in the early stages, who kicked the first four goals of the game on the back of efficient ball movement.

The home side weren’t without their chances and looked dangerous whenever they went forward, but were unable to capitalise in the early going. While Fremantle kicked 5.1 early, the Blues’ first five scoring shots of the game only amounted to one goal.

That soon turned, with Francis Evans getting dangerous at ground level and registering back-to-back goals. It was a fiery finish to the opening term with tempers threatening to boil over, as Sam Walsh and Jagga Smith led the way with class around the ball.

Carlton took the lead for the first time in the second quarter when Brodie Kemp converted, with the forward - who is enjoying a career-best season - having a purple patch. Kicking two goals and assisting one more to Walsh, it helped opened up a lead for the Blues as Marvel Stadium started to rock.

It was never louder than when Ollie Hollands produced the play of the day, nailing a chase-down tackle in the defensive goal square after a barnstorming run to bring the Carlton crowd to its feet.

Patrick Cripps’ physicality went up a notch and the Blues came along with him, taking an 11-point lead into the main break - Carlton’s ball use was a feature, running at 72 per cent kicking efficiency in the opening two quarters.

With the game still in the balance, the Blues emerged from the half time with the same vigour, as Jagga Smith benefited from elite clearance work from Cripps to open up a game-high lead.

Evans took his tally to over 20 goals for the year, becoming the sixth Blue for the season to pass the mark - it’s the first time the Blues have had that amount of players reach that total since 2001.

A Cripps goal reinstated a healthy 22-point lead, but when Luke Jackson converted to start the final term, the game was still on edge.

But from there, the Blues surged.

Sharing the load inside 50 with 22 marks in their attacking zone, the Blues had options everywhere, as Evans made it a career-high five goals.

Ben Ainsworth put the icing on the cake of an excellent individual performance with 20 disposals and three goals, in another key victory for the Blues under the roof leading into their wildcard final next week.

CARLTON            4.5     8.7     12.8       18.11 (119)
FREMANTLE       5.2     6.8     8.10       12.10 (82)

GOALS
Carlton: Evans 5, Ainsworth 3, Kemp 3, McKay 2, Acres, Cripps, Hollands, Smith, Walsh