FREMANTLE's horror start to the season has continued, with the side overrun by Carlton to lose its sixth-straight game by nine points in a cliffhanger at Telstra Dome on Saturday afternoon.

Fremantle led by 10 points in the early stages of the final term, but were left wanting as the Blues ground out three goals to one in the nail-biting fourth stanza to win 14.13 (97) to 14.4 (88).

The loss broke the nine-game winning hold Freo had over the Blues, and saw them slump to just one win from the opening nine rounds.

The respective captains both had opportunities to seal the win for their sides, with Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich slamming a set shot into the post just before red-time in the final term as the visitors trailed by a point, and Chris Judd dropping two shots short of the big sticks a minute later.

In the end, it was Darren Pfeiffer who booted the sealer for the Blues, after the young South Australian snapped accurately with just minutes remaining to blow the margin to nine points.

It was Fremantle young guns who shone, with Garrick Ibbotson (21 disposals, three tackles) and Rhys Palmer (20 possessions, four tackles) standing up, while former Bomber Kepler Bradley played perhaps the best game of his career with 16 touches, five clearances and one goal.

Pavlich ended with four goals, while fellow forward Chris Tarrant flew consistently above the packs, taking one grab over Carlton's Heath Scotland that may contend for Mark of the Year, to kick three goals for the afternoon.

In celebration of the AFL's Indigenous Round, Jeff Farmer and Eddie Betts faced off in the centre for the coin toss.

Pavlich attracted the attention of Setanta O'hAilpin, and it was Fremantle who had the first scoring opportunity – before the ball was even bounced – after a free kick was awarded against the Irishman for pushing.

The Blues were quick to respond through Betts, but former Fremantle skipper Peter Bell reclaimed his side's lead within minutes after escaping his direct opponent of Nick Stevens.

Tarrant, opposed to Paul Bower, kicked his only score for the first term – a poster – at the 16-minute mark, which was the last time Freo scored with Carlton taking an eight-point lead into the second quarter.

Judd emphasised his influence within minutes of the restart when his work underneath the pack resulted in a goal to Kade Simpson, but otherwise the Blues' captain was being restricted by a heavy tag from Ryan Crowley.

While Fremantle was easily on top in the ruck (22 hit-outs to 10 at half time), the work of Adam Bentick, Bryce Gibbs and Stevens ensured the Blues remained competitive in the middle.

The home side got out to a 20-point lead in the first 10 minutes, but was reeled back in as Pavlich, Tarrant and Michael Johnson kicked the last three goals of the term to leave the half time deficit at six points.

Betts opened the second half with a goal from point-blank range, which was quickly followed up by another from Jake Edwards. The margin was back to three goals, with Bell dropping back into the forward pocket and consequently dragging Stevens away from the action.

Fremantle then put together a three-goal burst with its recycled players – Dean Solomon, Bradley and Tarrant – pushing the side back in front midway through the quarter.

The Blues rallied and regained the lead, but goals to Farmer and Pavlich handed back advantage to Freo. However, young Blue Steven Browne booted a major on the siren, which narrowed its three-quarter time lead to just three points.

What followed was a final term played at frenetic pace.

The lead changed only once, but it was edge-of-your-seat stuff as Fremantle fought desperately to restore some credibility to its 2008 campaign while the Blues were determined to claim their fourth win for the year.

Fremantle now returns home to host Port Adelaide at Subiaco next Sunday afternoon.

CARLTON: 4.3, 7.7, 11.10, 14.13 (97)

FREMANTLE: 3.1, 7.1, 13.1, 14.4 (88)

GOALS: Carlton: Fisher 2, Betts 2, Scotland 2, Fevola, Simpson, Wiggins, Edwards, Browne, Carrazzo, Stevens, Pfeiffer

Fremantle: Pavlich 4, Tarrant 3, Farmer 2, Bell, Duffield, Mi. Johnson, Solomon, Bradley

BEST: Carlton: Stevens, Bentick, Betts, Waite, Scotland, Carrazzo, Simpson

Fremantle: Ibbotson, Palmer, Black, Crowley, Sandilands, Solomon, Bradley

INJURIES: Carlton: Thornton out (knee) replaced in selected side by Pfeiffer

Fremantle: Dodd (calf)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Fila, Meredith, Ellis

Official crowd: 28,955 at Telstra Dome