Scott Lockhart reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval, Perth.
A sparkling return to form by Fremantle has seen them crush a disappointing Carlton side by 77 points at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.
In a performance unseen since the final rounds of 2006, the Dockers forward line looked lethal while its midfield was clinical after half time. Carlton had no answer to the consistent run of Fremantle, constantly letting their opponents roam free. Successfully returning from a six week club-imposed suspension for misconduct, Jeff Farmer kicked four goals and was sparkling in a good team performance by Fremantle.
Carlton found themselves 18 points behind after just eight minutes following an undisciplined start that saw Brendan Fevola give away consecutive fifty meter penalties resulting in a Fremantle goal. But a settling forward line and help from the umpires who awarded the blues 13 free kicks to Fremantle’s two in the opening term, saw Carlton work their way back into the match to lead by seven at quarter time.
Sparked by the brilliance of Mathew Pavlich up forward, Fremantle kicked six goals to one in a dominant, yet frustrating, second quarter display to have Carlton on the ropes at half time leading by 25. The returning Farmer proved to be a light up front for Fremantle, constantly looking dangerous and taking much of the defensive attention away from Pavlich. Fremantle continued to expose faults within Carlton’s attacking running game, regularly finding men without an opponent across the ground and making forward movement effortless on behalf of the Dockers.
Another lopsided score line of eight goals to two in favor of Fremantle had the Dockers confidence growing, with Farmer back to his magical best by taking on numerous defenders at once in his quest for goals. Des Headland showed his worth once more by kicking five goals in a superb cameo to the headline act of Pavlich and Farmer. While at the opposite end of the ground Fevola continued to struggle, kicking just one goal in an undisciplined performance.
The run and work rate of the Dockers didn’t wane despite the score in the final term, with them adding a further nine goals to Carlton’s five. Jarrad Waite providing the Blues with some joy kicking five goals for the game, including four in the final term. Fremantle enjoying their greatest win over the Blues in a performance they hope will propel them into finals contention.
Fremantle make the difficult trip to the SCG where they face a Sydney side coming off two straight losses. While Carlton play a Melbourne side who will be led by interim coach Mark Riley for the first time at the MCG on Sunday.
Final Score:
Frem: 4.3 10.7 18.8 27.11 (173)
Blues: 5.4 6.6 8.11 13.8 (96)
Best:
Frem: Headland, Farmer, Bell, Pavlich, Solomon.
Blues: Carrazzo, Murphy, Waite.
Goals:
Frem: Headland 5, Pavlich Farmer Bell 4, Thornton 2, Black Carr Dodd Mundy Murphy Parker Solomon 1.
Blues: Waite 5, Young 2, Bentick Fevola Fisher Hartlett Lappin O'halipan 1.
Umpires: McBurney, Avon, Fila
Injuries: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 36, 307 at Subiaco Oval, Perth
Article last changed on Wednesday, July 04, 2007 - 2:09 PM EDT
