FREMANTLE DOCKERS PASS FIRST STERN TEST IN 35 POINT WIN OVER A PATRICK CRIPPS INSPIRED...
0Fremantle Dockers pass first stern test in 35 point win over a Patrick Cripps inspired Carlton
Fremantle have overcome a herculean performance from Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps to post a 35 point win at Optus Stadium. Carlton suffered a huge blow in the opening minutes of Saturday night’s match when big man Marc Pittonet suffered a game ending knee injury. The Dockers controlled most aspects of the contest. and opened up a 38 point lead during the third quarter. But Cripps simply refused to give up. with his three goal second half dragging his team back into the match. Carlton twice closed to within 21 points in the final quarter. but the Dockers ended the match with a bang to seal the 14.13 (97) to 9.8 (62) victory. The result improved Fremantle’s record to 5 1. while Carlton slipped to 4 2. Pittonet suffered a suspected PCL injury to his left knee after clashing knees with Fremantle big man Sean Darcy in a ruck contest. Darcy was subbed out of the game with concussion after copping an accidental boot to the head from Charlie Curnow in the third quarter. Cripps. in his return from a hamstring injury. finished the match with 32 disposals. eight clearances and 3.1. while former Docker Adam Cerra was booed by the sellout crowd for every one of his 32 disposals and seven clearances. Fremantle forwards Rory Lobb and Lachie Schultz booted three goals apiece. while midfielder Andrew Brayshaw was influential with 27 disposals. eight tackles. and seven clearances. Dockers backmen Luke Ryan. Griffin Logue. Alex Pearce. and Brennan Cox were rock solid against Carlton’s potent forward line. The Blues overcame Pittonet’s early exit and a knee injury scare to Harry McKay to take a four point lead into quarter time. But the weight of numbers eventually paid dividends for the Dockers in the second term. with Michael Walters proving crucial in the six goal blitz. Walters booted his first after catching Cerra holding the ball. And he had the crowd off their seats when he dribbled through his second a short time later to give Fremantle a 19 point lead at the long break. The inside 50m stat read 32 15 in favour of Fremantle at half time. but Carlton’s efficiency up forward kept them in the match. Fremantle threatened to blow the game apart in the third quarter but Cripps kept Carlton within striking distance with two goals. And when he nailed a long range bomb in the final term. the Blues were a chance of snatching victory. But two goals to Sam Switkowski snuffed out the challenge and ensured Fremantle stayed in second spot on the ladder.
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