Josh Fraser’s tenure as full time Carlton coach begins with the Blues looking to defeat minor premiers Fremantle – and set up a shot at a deep September run. Live updates below!
After weeks of speculation, the Blues (11-1-10, 99.6%) finally locked Fraser in after a wildly successful stint as caretaker coach featuring 10 wins and a draw from 13 matches.
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His first task is a daunting one against soon-to-be minor premiers Fremantle (19-3, 142.5%), who are heading to Melbourne for potentially the last time before the grand final, should they qualify.
Despite sealing top spot last week, the Dockers have resisted the urge to rest players en masse, with only Jye Amiss, Sam Switkowski and Heath Chapman missing the trip to Marvel Stadium.
The Blues, meanwhile, know defeat will consign them to 10th on the ladder, and a likely trip to Adelaide to face the Crows in a wildcard final; while victory could set up a blockbuster clash with old rivals Collingwood next week.
Match details: Carlton vs Fremantle from 1:15pm AEST at Marvel Stadium
Watch it live: On Fox Footy (channel 504), and streaming on Kayo, from 12:30pm AEST
2. ‘WANTED TO DIG A HOLE’: EPIC MOMENT THAT SUMMED UP BLUES BLITZ
One act summed up the Blues’ desperation and defensive intent – and Fremantle’s hesitant nature – in the first half.
After a run of Carlton goals, the Dockers seemed destined for a certain goal when Michael Frederick handballed to teammate Patrick Voss near the top of the goalsquare.
But as Voss turned towards an open goal, he stumbled – and was magnificently tackled by a desperate, speedy Blue Ollie Hollands, who was awarded a holding the ball free kick.
Blues fans and Fox Footy commentators went ballistic.
“It’s the loudest the Blues fans have been all afternoon,” Fox Footy’s Leigh Montagna said.
Garry Lyon added: “That sums up the afternoon right there. The ‘Pony’ gets the ‘Joe the goose’ over the top – and trips over, doesn’t score.”