CARLTON didn’t manage to get the win over the Dockers at Optus Stadium on Sunday, falling in away territory by 29 points.

With the Blues now back in Melbourne, they have begun preparations for their Round 22 match against the Bulldogs this Sunday.

Blues stoppages coach Dale Amos spoke with Carlton Media about the loss to Fremantle, players who stood up and the focuses leading into the final two games of the season.

On the loss to Fremantle:

“I feel like we played some really good footy in the first, second and the last (quarters). We probably had lots of opportunities in the first half and we were able to score more easily than we have in previous weeks, but in the third quarter we really got beaten around the footy and that created lots of scoring opportunities. We didn’t defend as well, probably more so in and around the contest."

On players impressing at stoppages:

“Patrick Cripps is always good around the stoppages. Paddy Dow had some really good moments where he was able to get some clearances and had some good impact around the ball and Matt Lobbe, having only played a handful of AFL games this year, had some real impact. He kicked some goals and was influential around the stoppages, particularly early in the game. He had a great first half.”

On the focus at training:

“The focus has been pretty consistent over the last month where we’ve been trying to really nail the fundamentals. We feel like that probably let us down in big moments and the third quarter was a part of that on the weekend when the game was on the line. We needed to execute really well, and in the fundamentals we didn’t quite get that done. That’s been a real theme for us for a long time, but particularly in the last month.”

On the remaining two games:

“With two to go we’re looking to build some chemistry and synergy. Winning form is good form and we want to be able to get some wins on the board in the last couple of games and really have some momentum going into the off-season.”

On the Bulldogs:

“The Bulldogs have been in really good form. They were impressive against the Kangaroos coming back from a fair way down. Their last month has been has been exceptional and their midfield in particular has been really strong. They’re getting a lot of the footy. I think they had three players with 40-plus possessions on the weekend so it’s going to be a big battle there and we’re really looking forward to that challenge.”

Carlton faces the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium from 1.10pm on Sunday.