After going into the main break up by 42-points, Fremantle re-entered the arena with a different mindset, allowing Carlton to fight their way back into the match.
"There definitely will be some changes," Connolly said after the match.
"Playing AFL footy is pretty tough.
"You'll see every player in the league at different times have problems, and you've got two options. They've either got to be rectified or someone else has got to come in and grab the opportunity.
"We've got a lot of players playing terrific footy in the WAFL ... we are in a position (that we have) a lot of depth on our list.
"Paul (Hasleby) will come back (into the side), and I dare say there will be some other changes too."
The Dockers began the game in a physical manner, with Connolly admitting it had been an area the club had been striving to improve on in the past few years.
"It's an area that's really important," Connolly said.
"It wasn't a focus for the game, it's a consistent focus for every game."
Both Connolly and Fremantle entered the match against the Blues focused on victory following the club's 22-point round one loss to Hawthorn.
"We've won the four points so that's great for everyone involved in the club including myself," Connolly said when asked what effect the victory would have on the team.
"Early in the season every win is valuable because the confidence of teams are high, because of big pre-seasons."
