The 36-point victory was the Blues second highest score.

The Dockers came into the match as favourites having finished the regular season strongly but were without their captain, Kara Donnellan who was ruled out before the preliminary finals clash.

Teammate Dana Hooker limped noticeably during the game with heavy strapping on her right thigh after suffering a cork last week.

Carlton struggled to maintain composure and only managing four behinds in the opening quarter, however, their opponents weren't having much luck either.

Momentum shifted for the home side after Tayla Harris slotted one between the post. By halftime, the Blues led by 29-points and the Dockers were going to need to dig deep to find a way back into the contest.

Fremantle hadn't scored a goal since the first quarter when Gabby O'Sullivan put one through but this only momentarily gave them hope as their forwards continued to struggle.

Although injuries to Ashlee Atkins (shoulder) and Evie Gooch (wrist) in the second quarter also didn't help their plight. They did return to the field though.

As the final quarter was ticking down, Fremantle fought with everything they had left but that second and third quarter performance undid their hopes at making the grand final.

Sarah Hosking all but sealed the Blues a spot in with a goal before the final siren.

When asked if the Blues could make it all the way coach Daniel Harford said: “Why not? We’ll give it a go".

Carlton will either face Adelaide or Geelong, who face each other tomorrow afternoon (Sunday March 24).