Carlton will get one final opportunity to tune up for September when it welcomes ladder-leading Fremantle to Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Blues' remarkable resurgence under Josh Fraser continued with a draw against the Western Bulldogs last weekend, while the Dockers secured the minor premiership after overcoming Adelaide by 24 points.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Blues vs Dockers below, with odds thanks to Dabble!
Carlton vs Fremantle Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 24
Blues With Plenty Left to Play For
Carlton has been one of the stories of the second half of the season, winning 10 and drawing one of its 13 matches since Josh Fraser took charge. The transformation has been driven by a vastly improved attacking game, with the Blues averaging 113 points across their past four matches at Marvel Stadium and finding a much better spread of contributors inside 50.
The midfield is also firing heading into September. Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps, Blake Acres and George Hewett all collected 30+ disposals against the Bulldogs last weekend, while Harry McKay has kicked eight goals across his past three matches. With finals seeding still on the line and a massive home crowd expected at Marvel, there is little reason for Carlton to take its foot off the pedal.
Minor Premier Ready for September
Fremantle has been the benchmark throughout 2026, winning 19 of its 22 matches to secure top spot before the final round. The Dockers were challenged by Adelaide last weekend but gradually wrestled control through their stoppage work and weight of inside 50s before running out 24-point winners.
Jye Amiss (managed this week) was the standout with five goals, while Josh Treacy was a constant threat despite finishing with an inaccurate 1.4 from 11 marks. Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw were again prolific through the middle, combining for 56 disposals. The major question is how Fremantle approaches a genuine dead rubber, with little incentive to take risks with key players ahead of its qualifying final.
Match Prediction and Best Bet
Fremantle has clearly been the superior team across the season, but circumstances make Carlton particularly appealing with a 10.5-point head start. The Dockers have already secured the minor premiership and could use this weekend as an opportunity to freshen up players and ensure they arrive at September in peak condition.
Carlton still has something tangible to play for, with finals seeding on the line. A win here could see them finish 9th and avoid travelling to Adelaide next week. This could be another case of the hungry dog running faster. With the Blues in excellent form, playing at Marvel Stadium and likely to have a huge home crowd behind them, they look capable of pushing the minor premiers all the way.
Carlton +10.5
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Carlton vs Fremantle Prop Bet
Sam Walsh loves playing Fremantle and looks primed for another big afternoon at Marvel Stadium. The Carlton star has averaged 34 disposals across his past six meetings with the Dockers, clearing the 30-disposal mark in five of those games. He's also in excellent touch heading into the final round, recording 25+ in six straight matches. With Carlton still having plenty to play for and Walsh central to everything they're doing through the midfield, $2.16 for 30+ disposals looks a nice price.
Carlton vs Fremantle Same Game Multi
Brodie Kemp 2+ Goals | George Hewett 25+ Disposals | Caleb Serong 25+ Disposals
Brodie Kemp has emerged as another dangerous avenue to goal for Carlton, booting eight goals across his past three matches and kicking four when he faced Fremantle earlier this season, making 2+ goals an attractive starting point. George Hewett continues to rack up possessions through the middle with totals of 33, 26 and 30 across his past three games, while Caleb Serong remains Fremantle's premier ball winner and comes off 29 disposals in last week's victory over Adelaide.
Carlton vs Fremantle Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Saturday 22nd August
Time: 1.15pm (AEST)
Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
Odds: Carlton ($2.33) vs Fremantle ($1.61)
Line: 9.5
Points: 183.5
Where to Watch Carlton vs Fremantle
You can watch the Blues vs Dockers live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
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