Amid the war of words through the week between opposing coaches Brett Ratten and Mark Harvey, Friday night's clash between Carlton and Fremantle at Subiaco Oval was basically branded a quasi-final.

And for good reason. Both teams will not only play in September, but the opportunity for a crucial home final was on the line.

In the end, it was Dockers, reinvigorated by a record 11 inclusions, who took the points by one goal and guaranteed themselves a home final next week, possibly against Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon.

Their 13th win also ended three-straight defeats, including a 116-point crunching with their B-grade side in Launceston last weekend. This win built momentum and confidence.

For the Blues, it was a disappointing end to the season. Despite the late rally against the Dockers - they trailed by five goals at the final change - they head into September limping after successive defeats.

So, with the home-and-away campaign over, what can we expect from either side come September?

Well, for the Blues, there are major concerns - if their recent record is any guide.

They have won only three of their past eight matches, with the victories against West Coast, Essendon and Richmond - three teams who will be resting, make that partying, on Monday.

Disturbingly, there have been defeats against fellow finalists Western Bulldogs, Sydney, Collingwood, the Cats and now the Dockers.

Now facing a return trip to Perth or a flight north to tackle the resurgent Swans, the Blues - who may be without an injured Andrew Carrazzo - could easily find themselves one and done.

To avert that, they will need more from key forwards Lachlan Henderson, who spent most of the last term on Friday in defence, and Jarrad Waite. It's the same old story - both have their moments but too often disappear. With both quiet, goal-sneak Eddie Betts had little impact.

History says power forwards win finals. No wonder the Blues have pursued Jonathan Brown with vigour through the years.

Just what to do with Bryce Gibbs also remains an issue. On this occasion he was used in defence - is it time to permanently unleash the South Australian in the midfield and see just what he is really capable of?

One thing we also learnt. Shaun Grigg should not be allowed anywhere near goal. The key defender was clearly uncomfortable lining up for the big sticks about 40m midway through the second term and the result, well, wasn't surprising - the ball sprayed almost at right angles off his left boot.

Dockers coach Mark Harvey was justified in his decision to rest almost half of his team last weekend against the Hawks, who they may meet next week.

If that does happen, draw a line through last week's mismatch. The Dockers this time may even begin as favourites with the bookies.

A refreshed Aaron Sandilands was superb in the ruck and around the ground, while defenders such as Luke McPharlin and Dylan Roberton picked the right moments to man up or run off and create.

Youngster Chris Mayne, praised recently for his defensive role at half-forward, looms as a finals wildcard after impressing with his leap and creativity, while Michael Johnson was dynamic after the main break. The likes of Matthew Pavlich and Hayden Ballantyne will be better for the run.

Many tipped Harvey would have been sacked by the mid-season break. Instead, he has helped secure just the third home final in Dockers' history, and their success-starved fans are daring to dream.

"We probably get a seven or eight day break," Harvey said post-match on Channel Seven when asked what his team was capable of.

"They are a good young team and willing. We'll see what happens."

Indeed, we will.