Goalkickers: D. Vescio 1.2, L. McEvoy 0.1.

Reports: Nil.

Umpires: Matt Adams, Jordan Fry, Cameron Jones.

Injuries: Nil.

Ladder: 13th.

Match Review

Home sweet home: Dockers bounce back in style
Fremantle used its return home to rediscover its powerful best, going on a second-half rampage to beat Carlton by 42 points at Fremantle Oval on Saturday. After 23 days in a Victorian hub and smarting from their first loss of the season last week, the Dockers went on a five-goal run in the second half to win their sixth game of the season, 7.9 (51) to 1.3 (9). It was a tough and tight clash early, but the Blues were unable to maintain their pressure and control the ball after the main break, falling to their fourth consecutive loss by more than 30 points. Dangerous Freo forward Mikayla Morrison was the star, forcing mistakes in the Blues' defence and finishing her work with three excellent goals.

Captain Hayley Miller lifted to drive the third-quarter surge, winning nine of her 24 disposals in the decisive quarter and finishing with eight clearances. Defenders Laura Pugh and Emma O'Driscoll were pillars in defence when the team was under pressure early, limiting the damage the Blues were able to do when their midfield was in control. Carlton brought a physical approach on their second road trip for the season and controlled territory in the first quarter, holding the ball in their forward half for long periods. The visitors were unable to take full toll on the scoreboard, however, with star forward Darcy Vescio kicking the Blues' sole goal with a brilliant left foot snap over their shoulder.

The Dockers adjusted after quarter-time and took the lead through former skipper Kara Antonio, with the home team kicking seven consecutive goals in total in their biggest win for the season. Carlton ruck Brea Moody returned from health and safety protocols and controlled the middle with 29 hit-outs, while teenage midfielder Mimi Hill was outstanding with a game-high 25 disposals. - Nathan Schmook.

Freo sink Blues
The Dockers hit their stride on their home deck, recording a resounding 42-point win over Carlton at Fremantle Oval on Saturday. - Gabrielle Keegan, Carlton Media
After conceding the first goal, the Dockers piled on the next seven to run away with the 7.9 (51) to 1.3 (9) victory.

Quarter one:
The Game Changers got off to a dream start with Darcy Vescio swooping on a loose ball, brushing a tackle and slotting the snap in a piece of individual brilliance, all within the first minute of the match. The Dockers’ forward thrusts were thwarted by a solid Carlton defence who were able to structure well behind the ball and mop up any stray forward fifty entries. Mimi Hill led the way through the middle with 10 disposals in the opening term, picking up exactly where she left off in last weeks’ comeback match. Fremantle gradually began to pick their way through in the back-end of the term and hit the scoreboard off the boot of Mikayla Morrison, but it was the Blues who took a narrow two-point advantage into the first break.

Quarter two:
The pace of the game began to slow in the second term with Carlton creating an extra in defence. However, it was the Dockers who drew first blood with Kara Antonio drawing a free kick in forward fifty and kicking truly. Nat Plane provided important drive from defence and Maddy Prespakis racked up possession in characteristic fashion, supported well by Grace Egan. The Dockers’ early goal would be the only major kicked in the term, giving the home side a five-point lead at the major break.

Quarter three:
Fremantle found another gear in the second half, piling on four goals in the third term led by the lively Mikayla Morrison. The heat took a toll on the Blues who lacked composure under intense Fremantle pressure. Paige Trudgeon was valiant down back and Brea Moody was solid in the ruck contest in her return game, but the Blues were faced with a daunting margin leading into the final term.

Quarter four:
It was a bridge too far for the Blues, who couldn’t do any further damage on the scoreboard in the final term. The Dockers added one more goal, to run out the match comfortable 42-point victors.

Moment of the match:
It was the opening minute of the match that delivered the best moment for the Game Changers, with Vescio providing a little bit of magic for Blues fans. The dynamic forward swooped on a loose ball inside forward fifty, executing a one-handed pick-up to then send the snap straight through the big sticks.

Best: M. Hill, B. Moody, M. Prespakis, D. Vescio, G. Egan.

It was the 3rd week in a row Carlton had 7.9.51 scored against them in an match.

Team

In: Breann Moody, Lauren Brazzale
Out: Courtney Jones (AFL Health and Safety Protocols), Brooke Vickers (ankle)

Milestones

Last Game: Lauren Brazzale, Charlotte Wilson

AFLW Coaches Votes

9 - Hayley Miller (FRE)
5 - Mimi Hill (CARL)
5 - Laura Pugh (FRE)
5 - Mikayla Morrison (FRE)
5 - Aine Tighe (FRE)
1 - Kara Antonio (FRE)

AFLW Team of the Week

Midfielders: Breann Harrington

ALW Best and Fairest Votes

3. - Hayley Miller (Frem)
2. - Mikayla Morrison (Frem)
1. - Gabby O'Sullivan (Frem)

Best and Fairest Votes

Round 6 Highlights