A CAREER-BEST haul from Harry McKay, a career-best disposal tally from Sam Walsh and a second- and third-quarter blitz has seen Carlton walk away with its first win of the season. 

The Blues were at their blistering best in the second and third terms at Marvel Stadium, piling on 10 goals to three in the middle two quarters on the way to a 45-point victory over the Dockers.

Quarter one:

It was a physical game from the centre bounce, with Ed Curnow, Patrick Cripps and Michael Gibbons all getting involved early. Jack Newnes snapped the first goal for the Blues after an impressive assist from Sam Walsh, who later set up another goal for Harry McKay in a blistering first term for the young midfielder. Gibbons was busy in the forward 50, while at the other end of the ground Lachie Plowman and Liam Jones set up a defensive wall. Fremantle's efficiency in front of goal was the difference early, opening up a 10-point lead with the Blues unable to convert their forward entries. Lachie Fogarty was busy early, providing plenty of physicality and slotting a handy goal from an intercept mark. Carlton had 13 inside 50s and eight scoring shot, but entered the first change with only a four-point lead unable to make the most of their opportunities. 

00:45

AFL R3 | Blues fought for it, so Newnes nailed it

The Blues manage to work their way through some relentless Dockers pressure to find their opening goal of the game

Quarter two: 

Ed Curnow opened the quarter on a good note, playing on from a set shot and kicking truly from the junction the forward 50 and boundary line. Carlton’s pressure around the ball was strong, with their shepherding and contested work shining through. Jones continued his outstanding form across half back, stopping Fremantle from getting past the centre square and collecting five intercept marks in the first half. A Harry McKay cameo on the back of his contested marking helped Carlton widen the margin, with the key forward having four goals at the final change. Marc Pittonet provided consistent ruck work and effort around the ground as the Blues dominated in the clearances, while debutant Luke Parks proved he belonged at the level by making an impact in the defensive half. Eddie Betts delivered some classic fancy footwork in his 200th Carlton game, delighting the crowd at Marvel Stadium and kicking a vintage left-foot dribble. 

01:14

AFL R3 | McKay mania in manic second term

Harry McKay is proving a pivotal cog of the Blues' forward line, notching three goals in the second quarter

Quarter three:

The Blues started the quarter strongly, with Patrick Cripps - who helped turn the game in the second term at the centre bounce - slotting a set shot to get the ball rolling. After that, neither team was able to lock the ball in their forward half, with both teams ramping up the intensity around the contest. McKay kicked two goals in a row to give Carlton a healthy lead as well as a career-best haul, as things started to get heated between the opposing teams. The Blues' delivery inside 50 was accurate, with the home side getting bang for their buck from forward entries. Sam Docherty handled things in the defensive half when it came his way, before some late goals from Fremantle saw the margin reduced to 46 points.

Quarter four:

Carlton came out with the momentum in the last term, keeping the ball in their possession before Jack Silvagni received full reward for his efforts in attack with his first of the day. The Dockers held sway in the final term, keeping it at three goals apiece as the final term turned into a scrap. McKay notched his seventh goal for the day before Michael Gibbons got in on the scoreboard act, as the Blues posted a 45-point win on Easter Sunday.

00:45

AFL R3 | Betts is back with an absolute stunner

Eddie Betts wows the crowd once again, with a stunning dribbler in the second term

Three things from the game

1.    Carlton has found one in Lachie Fogarty. The new recruit was a highlight in the Blues win in more areas than one in his third game for the Club. He gathered 25 disposals, laid seven tackles (a team-high) and had eight score involvements, putting the pressure on the Dockers in any way he could. 
2.    Liam Jones was a force to be reckoned with in the defensive half. Gathering 15 intercept possessions, Jones was pivotal in keeping Fremantle in Carlton’s half of the ground, as well as thwarting more than his fair share of the Dockers' attacks.
3.    It was a career day for Harry McKay. The 51-gamer slotted a career-high seven goals, most of which resulted from his outstanding aerial work (10 marks). With 13 goals from three games, the key forward has never been more dangerous in Navy Blue.

Moment of the match 

Eddie Betts.

It was only fitting that in his 200th Carlton game and his first appearance for the season, Betts delivered a classic dribble goal that sent made the Bluebaggers at Marvel Stadium as vocal as they had been all day. A standing ovation for the veteran followed, while the smile on Betts and his teammates' faces said it all.  

CARLTON          3.5     9.9     13.11     16.13 (109)
FREMANTLE     3.1     4.4       6.7          9.10 (64)

GOALS
Carlton: McKay 7, Cripps 2, Newnes, Fogarty, Curnow, Betts, Murphy, Silvagni, Gibbons

BEST
Carlton: McKay, Cripps, Walsh, Jones, Fogarty, Docherty, Curnow

INJURIES:
Carlton: Setterfield (illness) replaced in selected side by Cottrell

SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: McDonald (Unused)
Fremantle: Henry (replaced Young)