Carlton secured a narrow six-point victory over Fremantle at Cockburn Oval in Perth on Sunday, maintaining their push for a top-four finish in the AFLW season. The win was highlighted by Irish forward Erone Fitzpatrick, who scored two goals, including the decisive goal in the final quarter.

The contest remained tightly contested throughout, with Fremantle’s Hayley Miller leveling the scores with a long-range set shot about eight minutes before the final siren. Earlier, Mimi Hill opened the scoring with a bending goal against the wind, breaking a 70-minute goal drought in a low-scoring and hard-fought match.

As the final minutes approached, Fremantle’s Gabby O’Sullivan responded with her second goal from a stoppage, narrowing the margin to seven points with 90 seconds left. The Dockers then entered “Wharfie Time,” their late-game surge unfamiliar to the home crowd. Kiara Bowers, Fremantle’s key midfielder, contributed 26 disposals and 10 tackles, and added a behind after marking and playing on with 26 seconds remaining, keeping the possibility of a draw alive.

Carlton’s victory owed much to Fitzpatrick’s impact up forward and the leadership of captain Abbie McKay, who collected 24 disposals and five clearances. Sophie McKay also delivered a strong performance in the second half despite an injury scare in the third quarter. She returned to the field to nearly claim a spectacular aerial mark early in the final term.

Looking ahead, Carlton faces Collingwood next week, followed by a significant clash against North Melbourne as the race for finals positioning intensifies.