A revved-up Chris Yarran has fired Carlton to a seven-point NAB Challenge victory over Collingwood in front of a sell-out crowd in Bendigo.
Yarran's dash and dare from the back half was pivotal throughout the game, but especially as the Blues skipped out to an early 33-point advantage midway through the first term.
The Magpies reeled their arch-rivals back in after some tinkering defensively and a clear lift in effort, but it was Yarran and defensive partner Kade Simpson who continued to cause headaches as the Blues closed out the 1.9.8 (71) to 1.7.13 (64) victory.
Sporting flashy red boots, Yarran collected 21 disposals and five rebound 50s to dictate terms and kick-start Carlton's improved offensive efficiency.
VIDEO: Blues burst from defence for a beauty
Coach Mick Malthouse, who returned to the coaching box after missing the Blues' first NAB Challenge hit-out against West Coast to support wife Nanette through surgery, revealed he is prepared to change his philosophy from an offensive point of view.
Skipper Chris Judd was the difference maker around the contests, winning 23 disposals and helping himself to a game-high 10 clearances.
But it was Andrejs Everitt who kick-started Carlton with two goals and a booming Supergoal in the first term.
VIDEO: Everitt's three first-quarter goals
The Blues fed off Everitt's energy as they opened with six of the game's first seven goals. The way Carlton transferred the ball from side to side created gashes in Collingwood's defensive zone, as time and again the Blues manufactured fast breaks.
Yarran and Simpson were crucial in creating the Blues' rapid-fire ball movement and their teammates followed their lead.
VIDEO: Post-match interview with Andrew Carrazzo
But the Magpies worked their way back into the contest after quarter time on the back of a clear lift in effort.
Recruits Levi Greenwood (17 disposals) and Jack Crisp (14) cracked in and made the most of the contest, while skipper Scott Pendlebury was at his consistent best with 16 disposals.
Young ruckman Brodie Grundy suffered a possible hip injury after being cannoned into in a marking contest.
VIDEO: Post-match interview with Andrejs Everitt
Blues ruckman Robert Warnock left the game worse for wear in the third term after sustaining a shoulder injury, while stand-in captain Bryce Gibbs also appeared to be favouring his shoulder.
The Blues play Geelong in their final pre-season hit-out at Etihad Stadium next Sunday, while Collingwood faces the Western Bulldogs at the same venue on Saturday night.
PHOTOS: NAB Challenge - Carlton v Collingwood
COLLINGWOOD 0.4.1 1.6.7 1.6.10 1.7.13 (64)
CARLTON 1.5.1 1.7.3 1.8.6 1.9.8 (71)
SUPERGOALS
Collingwood: Oxley
Carlton: Everitt
GOALS
Collingwood: Blair 2, Gault, De Goey, Fasolo, Cloke, Broomhead
Carlton: Everitt 2, Jones 2, Bell, Tutt, Boekhorst, Carrazzo, White
BEST
Collingwood: Greenwood, Crisp, Blair, Pendlebury, Sinclair, Fasolo
Carlton: Yarran, Judd, Simpson, Carrazzo, Everitt, Jaksch, Jamison
INJURIES
Collingwood: Grundy (hip)
Carlton: Cripps (eye), Simpson (ankle), Warnock (left shoulder), Gibbs (shoulder), Judd (eye)
SUBSTITUTES
Collingwood: Travis Varcoe replaced Brodie Grundy (hip) in the third quarter
Carlton: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Meredith, O'Gorman, Bannister, Findlay
Official crowd: 9,542 at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo
