Fremantle are the hottest team in the AFL, but coach Justin Longmuir knows there’s still more work to be done if they are to avoid a slip-up against Carlton on Sunday.

Despite the two sides’ contrasting form, the Blues have been a thorn in the Dockers’ side in recent clashes with Fremantle only winning one of their past eight encounters.

The teams have not faced each other since the Dockers’ infamous after-the-siren loss in Gather Round last year, with their last victory over Carlton coming back in 2022.

However, one man who has avoided a downturn against the Blues is Hayden Young, who boasts a remarkably consistent record against them.

In his past three clashes against Carlton, Young has recorded 25 touches, well above his career average, in each game to be among the best for his side despite their defeats.

But it could be a forward switch that helps Young and Fremantle break their Carlton hoodoo.

In just six games this season, Young has already kicked seven goals, more than half the total (13) he managed across his 23 games last season, as the Dockers manage his on-ball minutes by playing him in the midfield and up forward.

Young has never troubled the scorers in his previous encounters with the Blues but coach Justin Longmuir says he hopes he can continue to shine in his dual role.

“He has changed our midfield mix, and it’s a testament to the work he put in while he was injured,” Longmuir told 7NEWS.

“He’s just another big body in there and another player the opposition have to worry about, which takes the pressure off the other two.

“Having a left-footer in there and someone who can use the ball the way he does is obviously a really good weapon.

“We’ll continue to mix his time between midfield and forward and hope to see his impact continue in both areas.”

The Dockers have won nine of their past 10 games but Longmuir said there was still improvement to find, particularly after they wasted a string of chances to kill the game off earlier against West Coast.

“We wasted some opportunities, especially in those middle quarters, but any time you’re generating 40 shots on goal, is a good performance,” he said.

“Our defence held up well and we generated enough opportunities, but there’s still some work to do.”