Gerard Whateley says Carlton must beat Fremantle tonight to validate the club's promising signs so far this season.
Speaking on the AFL Nation pre-match show, Whateley said the clash at Optus Stadium is all about the direction of the visitors.
“This has got very little to do with Fremantle. This is all about Carlton, they have to win tonight for credibility," he said.
Whateley said the Blues need to find themselves with an even ledger heading into round 14.
“For all they’ve done, they’re only on four wins and they’ve got Fremantle and Gold Coast (to come)," he said.
“They better get to six and six to validate who they want to be and who we think they should be.
“Carlton are two or three years ahead of where Fremantle is."
Terry Wallace agreed and said he expects Carlton to claim the four points against the Dockers.
“Fremantle’s direction is casting, you know where they’re going and what they’re going to do," he said.
“There’s still a bit of jockeying for what is Carlton and how does it look.
“I expect Carlton to win."