AFL: Fremantle are chasing a sixth straight win as they host a Carlton side under massive pressure on and off the field in their showpiece Len Hall Tribute game.
The Dockers are unchanged from last week’s crushing western derby victory, while they will take on a familiar face as ex-Docker Liam Reidy leads the ruck duties for the Blues.
Carlton have a late out chossing to manage Ollie Hollands after a tough week for the entire Hollands family.
Fremantle are heavy favourites and you’d expect Carlton will need something special to cause an upset though they do possess a strong record at Optus Stadium.
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That’s where we’ll leave it
Carlton gave a good account of themselves but Fremantle never really felt like they were going to let one slip.
There’ll be plenty more to come but for now goodnight!
Longmuir reflects on win No.6
ANALYSIS
It wasn’t the one-sided belting many predicted during the week, but Fremantle showed a sign that separates the good teams from the great in their dogged win against Carlton, writes Mitchell Woodcock.
Match Report
Luke Jackson speaks
“Reidy’s a great player, especially in the ruck. It’s always nice to come up against your old teammates,” he says.
“I love playing ruck, I really love my footy in there.
“When the ball is coming out the front like that, and you get those handball chains going, it’s good fun.”
“Our midfield is unreal, we’re spoilt for choice in there and it’s unreal to play in there.”
On Mason Cox
“He’s a great fella, he knows what it takes and he’s a big presence on and off the field.”
“We’ve got a lot to grow but we’re excited where we’re at.”
Luke Ryan speaks
“Bolton’s a pretty special player, we love having here he’s an extraordinary talent,” he tells Fox Sports.
“I didn’t know he played that well I was down back trying to defend everything.
“But when he’s playing like that we’re going to be in every game so we’re happy to have him.”
“I had surgery and it put me back a fair bit but credit to Brandon Walker he played some exceptional footy and unfortunately for him he got injured and that gave me my spot back.
“There’s a lot of pressure for spots down there the boys are playing pretty good footy, but yeah I don’t love the off-season.”
“I think the game is evolving to be quicker and we’re trying to find ways to move the ball quicker and it’s going to come from great defence and good contest and good technique.
“There’s a lot of work to do but we’re gettiing better at it.”
On Luke Jackson
“He’s a unicorn, he’s the funniest bloke as well, he’s young and only going to get better, and hopefully we can keep it up.”
On forwards
“The one’s that’s not kicking goals is blocking for others and making easier for the others.
“JT presence forward of the ball is just immense you want to kick it to him.”
On Longmuir
“We’ve got a mantra that we’re 1-0 each week, he loves a bit of fun and we love playing for him and he supports us and we love him.”
Shai Bolton wins the Arthur Leggett Medal!
He wins with 11 votes
“I just like to thank to the Carlton boys it’s an hnoure to play in this game and honour all the soldiers that serve for us,” he says.
“Thanks to all the fans for coming out.
“I think these big games bring out the best in us boys.”
33 disposals, 2 goals, nine inside 50s and four tackles.
FULL TIME Fremantle 16.7 (103) Carlton 13.11 (89)
Carlton will rue those fiorst five minutes of the last quarter when Shai Bolton effectivelt shut them out of the game.
They fought hard to kick five of the last six goals but were always going to run out of time.
Bolton and Jackson will likely be the two candidates for the Anzac Day medal.
Bolton edges it for mine, but we’ll find out shortly.
Cripps adds another for the fast-finishing Blues
It’s come to late but another forward 50 entry sees Cripps snaps from close range. They’ve kicked 5.4 in this last quarter to trim the margin to 14 points.
Walsh gets another back from the Blues
He’s worked incredibly hard tonight in a midfield that’s been under the pump.
He stands up through the traffic inside 50 and snaps a smart finish to get the margin to 21 points.
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