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

Young done!

Hayden Young is out of the game with a groin injury.

Huge conerns for Fremantle and the midfielder.

Aaron Kirby

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.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Shai Bolton of the Dockers looks avoid a tackle by Adam Saad of the Blues 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)
Shai Bolton of the Dockers looks avoid a tackle. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Aaron Kirby

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

Aaron Kirby

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

Aaron Kirby

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

Aaron Kirby

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

Aaron Kirby

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

Aaron Kirby

Vibes

Fremantle have run out to the old rock version of their song as the old lettered logo rotates around the ground.

The crowd are here for it even as their banner falls apart.

Aaron Kirby

Battling facts

Carlton have won seven of the past eight encounters against Fremantle, with the Club’s last win over the Blues coming at home by 35 points in Round 6 of 2022.

However, the Dockers have won nine of their last 10 at Optus Stadium.

Who triumphs today?

Aaron Kirby

Retro round!

Fremantle will be sporting a retro jumper this week.

Fremantle Dockers training at Cockburn ARC. Michael Frederick.
Michael Frederick. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

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