AFLW Round 7 Preview | Carlton V Fremantle
Written by Helena Petrou
Carlton are preparing to face the Fremantle Dockers in what is set to be a blockbuster clash at Ikon Park this Sunday the 14th of March at 1:10pm. It is Carlton’s last game in Victoria for the remainder of the home and away season and the Blues will need to walk away with the 4 points to keep their hopes of playing finals alive.
The clash against the Dockers is set to be Carlton’s most critical game yet as they are looking to win all of their remaining games to make it into the top 6. A loss makes it very unlikely that Carlton will return to finals in 2021. The Blues will head into the game with confidence after their 33-point win over Geelong, where Prespakis, Stevens and Vescio had impressive games. To defeat the Dockers Carlton will be forced to bring their best football for 4 quarters. The Baggers must clean up on costly errors such as turnovers and slow starts on Sunday, as quality opposition like Fremantle are bound to make them pay.
Speedy Carlton winger Brooke Walker is available for selection after recovering from a nasty foot injury to her plantar fascia that she sustained during the pre-season. Having felt the absence of Walker and Chloe Dalton’s speed this season, she will be a great addition into the side to help take on the Docker’s midfield. Marquee forward Tayla Harris could return to the side after being managed for Carlton’s game versus Geelong and her ability to crash packs and apply pressure inside 50 will be welcomed. Although, Harris has not been able to hit the scoreboard as much as Blues fans would have liked this season.
It’s a big game for
Abbie McKay (#5)
With an unfortunate ACL injury sustained by Mimi Hill in round 6 ruling her out for the remainder of the season, McKay will have extra pressure upon her to perform against Fremantle. McKay is having a career best season and is improving every week, coming off 17 disposals last round. She is clean around the contest and will look to link up with the evasive Grace Egan to cause the Dockers’ trouble in the midfield. With Fremantle being a strong clearance and contested team Carlton will look for McKay to take her clearance game to the next level.
Kerryn Harrington (#9)
Carlton’s Co-Captain will look to follow up her best performance of the season this week against Freo. Harrington finished with 24 disposals and 3 tackles against the Cats and will need to repeat her strong performance to help keep the Dockers’ forward line under control. Likely to match up on Sabreena Duffy who kicked 3 majors last week, Harrington will need to apply lots of tackle pressure to tame the fiery small forward. Her dash off half back is a sight Carlton fans will hope to see again this week.
Opposition Analysis
Fremantle currently sit second on the ladder with a healthy percentage of 285%, the highest in the competition. Their only loss of the season came in a low scoring affair against the Brisbane Lions (14-25), where the Dockers only managed to kick one major and ended their 11-game winning streak.
Fremantle head into round 7 coming off an intimidating 67-point win over the West Coast Eagles. A dominant performance saw them lead clearances 29-16 and lay 55 tackles. Conceding only 8 points, the Fremantle defence prevented the Eagles from taking any marks inside 50. Four Fremantle players made the round 6 team of the week.
Opposition Players to look out for
Gemma Houghton (#27)
Fremantle’s gun forward Gemma Houghton kicked 5 majors and had 15 disposals against the Eagles. She currently sits equal first on the AFLW goalkicking leader board with 11 goals. Houghton has been named the AFLPA’s MVP of the week 2 times this season and poses a serious threat to Carlton’s defence. Carlton’s defenders Charlotte Wilson and Mua Laloifi will be tasked with the important role of taking on the 2020 All-Australian.
Kiara Bowers (#2)
Also a member of the 2020 All-Australian team, Bowers is one of the competition’s established premier midfielders. She has taken home 2 AFLPA MVP of the week awards this season as well as a best on ground title in the Western Derby. Against the Eagles she had 24 disposals, 18 of them contested, as well as nine clearances. Blues Co-Captain Katie Loynes looks set to be tasked with tagging Bowers as Carlton will try to minimise her effect on the game.
Prediction
A chance for Carlton to go against the competition’s best with lots on the line, it will be a game to watch! Blues to battle it out and win by 6.
