Carlton is on the board in season 2021.
A career-best seven-goal haul from Harry McKay fired the Blues to an easy 45-point win over Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
After an even first quarter, Carlton piled on 6.4 to Freo's 1.3 in the second quarter to take a healthy 35-point lead into the main break.
The Blues had the first six scores (4.2) of the third quarter to at one stage lead by 61 points as David Teague’s side ran riot.
The Dockers were well beaten around the ball but fought hard to limit the damage after it threatened to get ugly in the second half.
Here’s everything you need to know!
Harry’s career day
McKay has threatened to take a game by the scruff of the neck.
Today he did just that.
Fremantle’s defence had no answers to the Blues spearhead who booted seven majors from 13 scoring shots – he could have easily cracked double-digits.
McKay also finished with a match-high 13 score involvements and 10 marks.
Vintage Eddie Betts! 🤩#AFLBluesFreo
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) April 4, 2021
pic.twitter.com/IWjc3MiAvL
Harry McKay has kicked 4️⃣ and he doesn't look like slowing down 🔥#AFLBluesFreo pic.twitter.com/qrwfi2Zd1t
— AFL (@AFL) April 4, 2021
Determined Cripps responds to critics
The critics came for Patrick Cripps after struggling in last week’s loss to Collingwood.
But the champion Blue responded in resounding fashion.
Cripps didn’t look hindered by a reported mystery injury, leading from the front as he and Sam Walsh (career-best 37 touches) allowed Carlton to gain the midfield ascendancy.
34 disposals, 11 clearances, 10 score involvements and two goals – a captain’s performance in a must-win match for the club.
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What’s next?
Carlton goes in search of back-to-back wins against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
Fremantle will look for a swift response when they host Hawthorn at Optus Stadium next Sunday evening.
FULL SCORE
Carlton: 3.5, 9.9, 13.11, 16.13 (109)
Fremantle: 3.1, 4.4, 6.7, 9. 10 (64)
GOALS
Carlton: McKay 7, Cripps 2, Curnow, Fogarty, Newnes, Betts, Murphy, Silvagni, Gibbons
Fremantle: Walters 2, Taberner 2, Colyer, Frederick, Darcy, Giro, Switkowski
BEST
Carlton: McKay, Cripps, Jones, Walsh, Fogarty, Docherty
Fremantle: Switkowski, Giro, Mundy, Frederick
INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Fremantle: Young (hamstring)
