LIVE UPDATES: Fremantle Dockers host Carlton at rainy Optus Stadium
Fremantle have a chance to get a game clear in fifth with a win over Carlton but the Dockers have beaten them just once in eight meetings.
There is also dark clouds lying over Optus Stadium so the home side’s new-found maturity in the wet will be put to the test again.
Follow all the action live in our blog.
HALF-TIME: Fremantle 25, Carlton 49
The Dockers are getting beaten up in midfield.
Brayshaw is making sloppy errors that are very unuasual for him while Serong has had just five touches while the man tagging him, Hewett, has had 25 and seven clearances.
Longmuir will need a stern message in the break or will have to pull a different leaver to turn things around.
As poor as the Dockers have been they are still inside five goals so should not panic.
Jackson is leading the way for Fremantle but they just need more players with the ruckman’s size in the middle.
Pittonet fighting
The Blues big man is battling manfully in midfield and is having good success against Darcy and Jackson.
Jackson gets him on the ground but Carlton lead centre clearances eight to one!
Fremantle also need to adress Hewett who already has 21 disposals and six clearances.
FRE 19, CAR 43
Voss!
Voss gets his first after a strong clunk.
The Dockers look to have got their system working with some cleaner hands and the pressure finally works for them.
Voss escaped out the back before drifting across for a strong mark above his head.
Set shot was never in doubt.
FRE 19, CAR 30
Young done!
Hayden Young is out of the game with a groin injury.
QUARTER TIME: Fremantle 12, Carlton 30
It’s fair to say the Dockers have been left a little stunned as Carlton roared out of the gates.
The visitor’s pressure has been high and they’ve been able to force repeat inside 50s.
However, most importantly, they’ve kicked straight, nailing five straight.
Fremantle got one goal through defender McDonald after a 50-metre penalty before Treacy gave them a foothold with a goal in the last minute.
Jackson has made a big start with five clearances and eight disposals but Serong had just two disposals.
The Blues lead the clearance battle and have had double the inside 50s.
Young watch
Hayden Young is getting work on his left quad on the bench.
The physio looks to be checking for pain and damage as the midfielder grits his teeth.
Hopefully, the bull will be fine but he is pointing to his lower groin.
FRE 6, CAR 30
Upset alert!
The rain and wind has done nothing to slow Carlton.
They now have four straight goals without the home side scoring.
Fremantle are being beaten in the contest and the wisdom of tagging Serong is clear to see.
FRE 0, CAR 24
Dark clouds
The Dockers have found some run, including a scintillating effort from Clark on the outer wing.
But they may have to re-think the plan shortly as a mass of dark clouds bear down on Optus Stadium.
They could do with pulling a couple of goals back before the rain hits.
FRE 0, CAR 12
Tough start
Acres snaps a goal against his former side and the Blues have made a nice start as the Dockers already look a touch frustrated.
The pressure on the Dockers has been high and at the moment they are just one per cent off the mark.
Their midfield needs a quick response.
FRE 0, CAR 12
Underway!
Serong burst through the first contest but caught holding the ball as he is set to be tagged.
Varlton lock the ball inside their 50 but Jackson lays a strong tackle to win the free kick and escape.
FRE 0, CAR 0
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails