The hits keep on coming for Carlton with their mid-season defensive reinforcement Sam Durdin (knee) hurting himself in his club debut last week, further stretching an already badly undermanned backline.
It means that Jacob Weitering (shoulder), Zac Williams (calf), Mitch McGovern (hamstring), Caleb Marchbank (knee), Oscar McDonald (back), Luke Parks (foot) and Durdin (knee) are all missing from the Blues’ defence.
Jack Martin (calf) is also out, joining Adam Cerra (hamstring) and Marc Pittonet (knee) on the sidelines as well.
All of that means Carlton are in real danger of losing back-to-back games for the first time this year.
And the Dockers will look to exploit Carlton’s undersized backline after bringing back Matt Taberner to join tall timber Nat Fyfe, Rory Lobb and Griffin Logue up forward.
The Blues have played well at Marvel Stadium this year, winning all four of their games, but Fremantle’s recent record at the venue is good too, with their last two games there ending in victory.
A win for the Dockers would see them consolidate second spot on the ladder, while victory would see Carlton (temporarily at least) re-enter the top four.
Defeat could see the Blues tumble as far down as eighth this round, and Freo could slip back to third if they lose after being promoted to second following Brisbane’s thumping loss to Melbourne.
