IN THE first unofficial practice match of the season, the Blues put their pre-season training to the test against the Pies, coming away with a 10-point victory. 

It was the first look at Blake Acres, Ollie Hollands and Lachie Cowan, who all impressed in their respective positions while Alex Mirkov proved his worth at the AFL level for the first time. 

Adam Cerra and Matt Kennedy's physicality through the middle was paramount, while Nic Newman was a standout down back. 

In front of a crowd of around 6,000 people on a sunny Friday afternoon there was plenty to like about the Blues performance. 

Quarter one 

The new Blues were standouts in the first quarter with Lachie Cowan’s intercept work and Ollie Holland's run and kicking down the wing turning heads early on. Nic Newman and Lachie Plowman were working well together in the back half, preventing the ball from crossing the defensive 50 line, while Ed Curnow looked fit in his first game back since 2021. Harry McKay slotted three goals while George Hewett and Tom De Koning also contributed. 

Quarter two

It was definitely Collingwood’s quarter, kicking six goals into the breeze to Carlton’s two. The Pies moved the ball out of the middle cleanly, but Alex Mirkov showed promising signs in the ruck, looking at home alongside De Koning. Jack Silvagni did well to lead for the ball in the forward 50, as well as contributing a big chase down tackle, but was unable to convert in front of goal. Hollands did well to facilitate shots on goal and Blake Acres hit the scoreboard towards the end of the term but the Blues struggled to hit targets in the forward 50. Adam Cerra was a bright spark for Carlton, putting his body on the line and using his classy ball skills to get the it out of the middle. 

Quarter three 

Cowan continued to defend strongly delivering long, clearing kicks out of the defensive 50 while Newman held down the fort behind the ball. Hollands got on the board with a classy snap and Lewis Young started to string together some damaging aerial work in the backline. The Blues went on a run of three goals in four minutes, with Matt Kennedy, Josh Honey and Lochie O’Brien all hitting the scoreboard in quick succession. Kennedy’s tackle work was eye-catching and De Koning continued to battle in the ruck and impress with his overhead marking. 

Quarter four 

Carlton started hitting their targets better in the fourth, leading to more controlled ball use moving forward. A snap from the skipper was handy to get the game going, while the Blues ramped up their pressure around the contest. Jesse Motlop was outstanding in delivering the ball into the forward 50, as well as his strong chase and tackling game. Lochie O’Brien used his class and speed down the wing, outrunning his opponents and launching the ball forward. Cripps was lively in the forward line, running out the clock and pinning the ball in, leading to a ten-point victory over the Pies.  

Match summary

CARLTON                      5.1 7.5 11.9  12.12    (84)

COLLINGWOOD            2.1 8.1 9.3 11.8      (74)

GOALS: McKay (3), Acres, Cripps, Curnow, De Koning, Hewett, Hollands, Honey, Kennedy, O'Brien.