Wayward Dockers blow it against Blues

Fremantle has squandered an opportunity to move in to the top eight, suffering a 16 point defeat to Carlton at the MCG on Saturday night.

Fremantle had 24 scoring shots to their opponents 20 but missed several opportunities early and late to hand David Teague's side a second straight win, the Blues kicking the final two goals of the game to triumph 12.8 (80) to 8.16 (64).

The Blues led by 28 points early in the second quarter of Saturday night's match, and still held a 23-point lead midway through the third before Fremantle hit back hard.

The Dockers booted three straight goals and a flurry of behinds to snatch a one-point lead early in the last quarter, but it was all Carlton from there, with goals to Eddie Betts and Sam Walsh securing the win.

Fremantle's inaccuracy proved costly in the end.

The Dockers won the clearances 45-26 and inside 50s 52-40, but their horrible performance in front of goal ultimately proved to be their downfall.

The scoreboard read 32-4 early in the second quarter before Fremantle finally found their range, with the Dockers booting four goals for the term to trim the margin to 12 points at the long break.

Two goals to McKay helped Carlton extend the margin back out to 23 points, but the Dockers came again in a flurry.

Goals to Brayshaw, Rory Lobb, and Michael Walters got Fremantle back within striking distance, but a host of missed shots cost them the chance to snatch the lead heading into the final term.

Scores were level with a quarter to play, but Fremantle's total of 8.15 compared to Carlton's 10.3 told the story of why the Dockers weren't ahead.

The Dockers hit the front with a soccered behind early in the final quarter, but Eddie Betts' rundown of Griffin Logue and subsequent goal turned the momentum.

The latest triumph improved Carlton's record to 6-9, leaving them within striking distance of the top eight.

Fremantle would have moved into eighth with a win, but they are now 10th with a 7-8 record.

Andrew Brayshaw tallied 28 disposals and two goals for the Dockers, while defender Alex Pearce was influential in defence despite giving up three goals to Harry McKay.

A wounded Carlton captain Patrick Cripps finished with 23 disposals - 18 of which were handballs - while Paddy Dow starred with 22 disposals, eight clearances and a goal.

Cripps played out the game despite copping a knock to his foot/ankle in the opening quarter, struggling to kick the ball for the remainder of the match.

Fremantle face Hawthorn at York Park in round 17, while Carlton host Geelong back at the MCG trying to keep their faint finals hopes alive.

IMAGE: Fox Sports.