Sam Switkowski has acknowledged another poor start by Fremantle helped Carlton get the jump in Sunday’s 53-point loss at Optus Stadium.

Carlton kicked four first-term goals to none, as Fremantle went on to post their lowest first half score of 2023 with just two goals.

Switkowski said despite a strong finish to the game, the performance was below the expected standard.

“It wasn’t a good start again, and it’s been a bit of a problem for us,” Switkowski said.

“We finished off strong which is one positive to come out of the night but we can’t give teams that jump on us early.

“It’s not the standard of footy we need to be playing.”

Carlton were able to repel the ball with relative ease from their defensive 50 throughout the match as Freo’s forwards were unable to lock the ball inside forward 50 for lengthy periods.

“Early on we couldn’t even get it in our front half, and then when we started to, we let it out too easy,” Switkowski said.

“Aerially in the contest we couldn’t get the job done and we gave them a lot of intercept marks and then at ground level they bounced quickly from their defensive 50.

“I think they kicked a couple goals from their defensive 50 to their forward 50, which we don’t usually give teams.”

Despite the result, Switkowski said it would be an occasion to remember for debutant Karl Worner, who featured for a quarter and a half as the tactical sub.

Worner found some footy with seven disposals, a mark, a tackle and 123 metres gained.

“He’s a great young fella and has been working really hard for his chance,” Switkowski said.

“He’s been performing well every week at WAFL level and he got his chance tonight.

“It was a tough night to come in as the sub, but he will be better off for the experience.

“Your first game is one you always remember so it’s a big moment for him, and we’re really happy for him.”

Fremantle’s chance to bounce back shapes as a tough task against ladder-leading Collingwood at the MCG next Saturday.

The shorter break will see Freo fly to Victoria in four days’ time.

“It’s a six-day break which is less rest but good because the game comes around quicker,” Switkowski said.

“It’s a chance for us to redeem our performance and Collingwood are obviously really strong.

“We are going to have a real crack, take some learnings out of today and hit the ground running during the week.

“(We will be looking to) really show up for ourselves, the Club and the fans.”