Fremantle are away to their best start to an AFL season since 2015 after piling on 10 unanswered goals to smash a disappointing Essendon by 48 points.

The lead changed six times during a topsy-turvy first-half as the Dockers took a three-point advantage into the main break.

But Fremantle blew Sunday's round-five game open by booting 6.3 to 0.1 during an irresistible third term to ensure their first win against the Bombers in Melbourne since 2010.

Essendon did not kick a goal from late in the second quarter until just seven minutes before full-time as Dockers forward Matt Taberner starred with a career-best seven-goal haul, and the largest bag of majors by any player this season.

Leading by 40 points at three-quarter-time, Fremantle closed out an emphatic 16.11 (107) to 8.11 (59) victory in a result that could give them belief of playing finals for the first time in seven years.

The percentage-boosting win lifted the Dockers to second-place on the AFL ladder at 4-1, above premiership contenders the Brisbane Lions and only behind rampaging Melbourne.

Fremantle's midfield, led by ruckman Sean Darcy and on-ballers Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Will Brodie, showed up the opposing brigade badly missing Zach Merrett and Jake Stringer.

The Dockers produced the demolition job without two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, who remains sidelined until the second half of the season due to a back injury.

Darcy Parish played a lone hand in the middle for Essendon as Fremantle won the clearance count 43-29.

The Bombers have concerns all over the ground, with their defence conceding more than 100 points for the fifth-straight game to open the 2022 season.

It is all smiles for Justin Longmuir's team but Essendon are in serious trouble at 1-4 after being tipped by some experts to win this year's premiership.

The Bombers have eight days to prepare for their traditional Anzac Day blockbuster against Collingwood, while Fremantle host Carlton in an intriguing match at Perth Stadium next Saturday night.

Blues hang on after incredible Port comeback

Carlton have held off a huge second-half challenge to post a thrilling three-point win and consign Port Adelaide to their worst start to an AFL season in club history.

A 50-point Blues lead before half-time was cut to just two points midway through the final term as the Power dramatically turned the match on its head.

Charlie Curnow's fifth goal gave Carlton breathing space as the last quarter ticked into time-on.

But Mitch Georgiades replied and Karl Amon had a set shot from outside 50 metres with one minute left on the clock that could have pinched the game.

It was rushed through for a behind in a mad scramble on the line and the Blues hung on for a 14.10 (94) to 13.13 (91) victory at the MCG.

The result was ultimately Carlton's fourth win in five games and left Port in a 0-5 hole as pressure mounts on coach Ken Hinkley.

Former Power assistant Michael Voss has no such issues in his first year in charge of the Blues, but does need to address his side's issues coming out of the half-time break.

In wins over the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn, Carlton let their opponents claw their way back into the contest after holding a comfortable lead.

Having managed just four goals in the first half, Port mustered six to one in the third term.

The surge included two long bombs from Ryan Burton in his 100th game.

Port kicked another three goals to one in the last quarter, but the Curnow major was pivotal.

He combined with fellow Blues spearhead Harry McKay (three) for eight goals while Zac Fisher kicked two.

Sam Walsh had 16 disposals in the first quarter alone, instrumental in setting up the Blues' dominant first half.

Walsh (38 touches), George Hewett (33) and Adam Cerra (32) all found plenty of the ball in the absence of captain and fellow midfielder Patrick Cripps.

But they were outgunned in the second half as Burton, Zak Butters (32 disposals), Darcy Byrne-Jones (26) and Connor Rozee (24) helped drag Port back into the contest.

Robbie Gray kicked three goals for the Power and Sam Powell-Pepper matched Burton and Georgiades with two.

Carlton have a tricky away game against Fremantle at Perth Stadium in round six, while Port Adelaide host depleted West Coast at Adelaide Oval.

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