AFTER a disappointing loss to North Melbourne in round six, Carlton is back with a win in a nail-biting contest against Fremantle, securing victory by nine points.

The Blues controlled proceedings in the second half on the way to the 5.2 (32) to 3.5 (23) result at IKON Park on Friday evening.

BLUES v DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats

In the fourth quarter, 20-year-old Carlton midfielder Meg Robertson took a stunning mark inside 50 and goaled to stretch the lead to 10 points, enough to ensure the Blues took the premiership points. 

Overall, it was a close contest early as both teams challenged each other in tight contests, but in the end Carlton’s defence stood tall and the Dockers failed to convert chances after the first half, kicking just three behinds after the long break.

Fremantle opened the match with the first goal through Angelique Stannett, but Carlton quickly responded as Mimi Hill and Sophie McKay hit the scoreboard to give the home team the lead. 

The Dockers replied in the second quarter with consecutive goals from Matilda Banfield and Gabrielle Newton, only for Erone Fitzpatrick to stabilise the Blues with a sharp finish from close range. Fitzpatrick was the key player for Carlton, as she not only kicked a goal but also had 20 disposals, 13 kicks, and seven handballs to her name. 

Hill was also crucial for the Blues with 21 disposals, while midfielder Dayna Finn was aggressive on the field with 26 touches.

At half-time, the margin was just one point as both sides applied fierce pressure and traded momentum, leaving the contest perfectly balanced heading into the second half. 

It was a fiercely contested defensive battle, with both teams applying relentless pressure across the ground.

Fremantle midfielder Gabrielle Newton delivered a standout performance, finishing with 28 disposals and a well-earned goal. 

Newton’s composure under pressure and exceptional ball control made her one of the most influential players on the field, driving Fremantle’s midfield effort and helping her side edge ahead in crucial moments. 

Aisling McCarthy was also outstanding for the Dockers with 25 disposals, but despite their star mids' efforts Freo still fell short in the end.

These are New Dark Navy Blues
After receiving a 53-point thumping from North Melbourne last week Carlton could have gone back into its shell, but these Blues are showing they're a genuine improvement on last year's model. The connection all over the ground was strong, with the defence particularly impressive after taking a pounding from the Roos

Not sure if this a 'nutmeg' or a 'ground pepper'
The modern footballer's preference to dribble close-range shots for goal was taken to another level on Friday night - the lowest level possible. Breann Harrington received a handball 15 metres out and turned to see Ash Brazill charging at her. Committed to the shot, Harrington dropped the ball, Brazill jumped to smother but could only watch as the footy dribbled along the ground directly below her. It's doubtful even Harrington could claim this one was deliberate.

Up next
With this loss, Fremantle will now be facing the in-form Hawks at Kinetic Stadium on Thursday, October 7th, at 7:15 pm AEST, while Carlton will look to continue its good form when it takes on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday at 3:05 pm AEST.

CARLTON       2.1   3.1   3.2   5.2 (32)
FREMANTLE   1.0   3.2   3.2   3.5 (23)

GOALS
Carlton: Hill, McKay, Fitzpatrick, Harrington, Robertson
Fremantle: Stannett, Banfield,  Newton

BEST 
Carlton: Hill, Finn, Fitzpatrick, Sherar
Fremantle: Newton, McCarthy, Bowers, O’Driscoll

INJURIES
Carlton: TBC
Fremantle:  TBC

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 2165 at Ikon Park