RECAP: Fremantle Dockers surge into top five after surviving Carlton scare at Optus Stadium

Aaron Kirby
The West Australian
Murphy Reid had a strong third term.
Murphy Reid had a strong third term. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Fremantle move into fifth after brushing off a brave Carlton charge in an electric last term at Optus Stadium.

The Blues kicked the first four goals of the match before the Dockers had even scored but after a tough first half, the men in retro purple found a way to overcome their midfield woes.

Josh Treacy, Pat Voss and Jye Amiss were all huge as Murphy Reid and Jordan Clark showed their wares again.

Follow all the action live in our blog.

Aaron Kirby

Backline gun

The influence of Jordan Clark can’t be overstated.

He leads the Dockers for touches now but it’s his 564 metres gained that get Fremantle moving.

With their struggles in the clearance battle it’s almost always on the halfbacks to get the Dockers heading towards attack and Clark relishes the role.

His last quarter has been superb so far as the Dockers are on the edge of breaking Carlton’s stubborn resistance.

FRE 70, CAR 59

Aaron Kirby

The Kahuna!!

The Dockers hit the front and Treacy is having a massive say!

Fremantle were repelled once but Amiss found Treacy in all sorts of the space at the top of the arc the second time around.

The big forward gets all of it as it sails through the big sticks and into the crowd.

FRE 63, CAR 58

Aaron Kirby

Two points!

Switkowski gives Fremantle the first of the last and they are within two points.

Again, they stopped the Blues clearing at the bounce and then Darcy won a free kick in the ruck.

His kick in was not great but the small forwards for Fremantle have got the goods and rescue a goal.

FRE 56, CAR 58

Aaron Kirby

THREE-QUARTER TIME: Fremantle 50, Carlton 58

The Dockers have gotten to work after the main break and addressed the imbalance in the middle.

However, it’s the sheer size and presence of Treacy that has made a difference going inside 50.

He provides a big target at the top of the arc for marks and has a big kick that can get the ball deep for marking targets and crumbers alike.

Reid also lifted big time.

Fremantle are still struggling from centre clearance but have done a better job holding the Blues up in the middle to force a stoppage where they are doing much better.

Hewett ended up getting plenty of touches but they didn’t do as much damage as in the first half.

Jackson leads the Dockers with 22 disposals.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Murphy Reid of the Dockers celebrates a goal during the round 21 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and Carlton Blues at Optus Stadium on August 03, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
Murphy Reid of the Dockers celebrates a goal. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Aaron Kirby

The teen dream

Murphy Reid has provided a nice spark for the Dockers in the third quarter.

He set up Amiss for his goal before finding the perfect spot to crumb an easy one.

Reid knows where to be and even though he has been caught a few times, he was on the verge of breaking the game open each time.

FRE 44, CAR 58

Aaron Kirby

Tide turning

The margin is back to 13 and the Dockers are starting to gain momentum.

They have been much stronger in the contest after half-time and Treacy is starting to get up the ground to provide a strong linking mark.

Hewett has finally had some shackles placed on him and Fremantle are working at their clearance game.

The Dockers are still down on tackles inside 50 seven to two in an area that can earn them a few goals.

FRE 37, CAR 50

Aaron Kirby

Nev-er in doubt!

Carlton got the centre clearance again but this time McDonald chopped it off in defence and the Dockers go coast-to-coast.

Amiss finally gets involved with a strong mark and banged home the major.

Perfect start for the Dockers on the scoreboard.

FRE 31, CAR 49

Aaron Kirby

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.

Caleb Serong of the Dockers looks on.
Caleb Serong of the Dockers looks on. Credit: AFL Photos
Aaron Kirby

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

Aaron Kirby

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

Comments

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 01-08-2025

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 1 August 20251 August 2025

Albanese’s under-the-radar diplomacy with a side of beef pays off in trade win.