Details: Optus Stadium, Saturday 15 August, 8:10pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo, AFL App
Live updates: Twitter, Instagram and the Carlton App
The game in focus:
Carlton will be looking to get another win under their belt before leaving Perth and heading to back to its Gold Coast hub.
Both teams enter the contest with a four and six record from 10 games, with the Dockers coming into the contest with two consecutive victories.
It’ll be a battle of the midfield guns with Patrick Cripps and Nat Fyfe both lining up this Saturday.
The reigning Brownlow Medallist against the reigning AFLPA MVP.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) August 15, 2020
There's that and plenty more to look forward to: get an inside look at tonight's opposition ahead of #AFLFreoBlues.#OwnTheFuture
The two big-bodied midfielders will be pivotal to the centre clearance battle and getting their teams going in the territory stakes.
Both teams will be fielding young sides with similar experience, with half of Carlton’s team aged 23 or under.
Last time we met:
Many will remember the last time the Blues took on the Dockers: Marc Murphy’s game-winning banana might ring a bell.
Without the leadership of Patrick Cripps or Sam Docherty, Carlton was able to snatch the win by four points in a comeback win.
The neighbours are getting a bit rowdy. #opendoorchallenge pic.twitter.com/VDEWe48hkR
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) April 3, 2020
The midfield trio of Sam Walsh, Ed Curnow and Murphy all contributed over 30 disposals, with Walsh also topping the tackle stats for the Blues.
The return of Liam Jones added some extra strength to the backline, as the Blues held the Dockers to just six goals after quarter time for the win.
Blue focus:
Fremantle has adopted a steady game style under Justin Longmuir, recorded the third highest disposal efficiency and fourth most marks in the competition.
The Blues will need to bring their pressure and apply the heat all around the ground to try and trip the Dockers up.
Carlton are playing a highly contested game under David Teague, with their contested marking and defensive one-on-one work being a standout.
Get excited about:
Josh Honey will run out in the Navy Blue for the first time this Saturday.
It will be the first glimpse of the rookie, a damaging high half forward who can push into the midfield with his terrific athleticism.
Honey is known for his breakaway speed, which will be a valuable addition to the line-up this week in the absence of Jack Martin.
