'Worst-possible scenario': Freo star Hayden Young injured again in comeback win over Carlton
Updated . First published at
Fremantle has survived a scare from Carlton to keep its finals hopes alive, but it has come at the cost of star midfielder Hayden Young.
The Blues led by 24 points at half-time after a blistering start, but as has been the case all season, they fell away in the second half.
The Dockers capitalised, carving out a 15.4. (94) to 10.7. (67) win.
READ MORE: Bold captain call shocks great as Saints win another thriller
READ MORE: Lloyd's concerns as Eagles circle historic record
READ MORE: Blues star told to 'be firm' as contract call heats up
A slip-up here would have made it quite difficult for the Dockers to make the eight, but they managed to escape with the four points at Optus Stadium.
Carlton kicked five goals in the first term and dominated Fremantle with its contest and pressure work, but its inability to add scoreboard pressure in the second quarter kept the Dockers alive.
From there it was all Freo, with the Blues only adding two goals in the second half and completely shutting down offensively.
Josh Treacy of the Dockers celebrates a goal. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The salt in the wound for Carlton was the knee injury suffered by young key defender Harry O'Farrell, who was substituted out of the game. Veteran Adam Saad seemingly suffered a broken nose in the final minutes of the contest.
Carlton coach Michael Voss confirmed O'Farrell's injury is likely a torn ACL.
Fremantle, meanwhile, will be sweating on star midfielder Young, who was subbed out with another leg injury. His 2025 season, to this point, has been completely derailed by injuries.
"A soft-tissue injury early in the game to someone who has so many soft-tissue injuries in his career, so close to finals," West Coast premiership player Will Schofield told Fox Footy.
"It couldn't have been a worse result in that regard. It's the worst-possible scenario."
Young has battled repeated hamstring strains all season, unable to string many games together.
Hayden Young of the Dockers looks on following the clash with the Blues. Getty
It marks the sixth time this season the Blues have led at half-time and lost, summing up their campaign.
As for the Dockers, they kicked 11 goals after half-time and nine straight from set shots in wet and wild conditions, showing their class.
For Fremantle, it was its key forwards who got the job done. Jye Amiss, Josh Treacy and Patrick Voss combined for nine goals.
Patrick Cripps and George Hewett both had 36 disposals for Carlton, while Zac Williams was influential with two goal assists.
Patrick Voss of the Dockers celebrates a goal with Luke Jackson. via Getty Images
Jordan Clark led the way with 30 disposals for the Dockers, while ruckman Luke Jackson had 27 and kicked a goal himself.
Given their percentage is the worst of the top nine teams, the Dockers will likely need to win two of their final three games to make the eight.
They play Port Adelaide (away), Brisbane and the Bulldogs (away) to close the season.
Carlton, meanwhile, hosts Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium in round 22, before finishing the season with Port Adelaide and Essendon.
