CARLTON assistant coach Ash Hansen believed the Blues learnt some valuable lessons when they took on the Pies in a practice match on Friday. 

Coming away with a 10-point victory at IKON Park in front of a crowd of over 6,000 fans, Hansen acknowledged the game was a key part of Carlton's preparations for the season proper.

Here's what he had to say. 

On the purpose of the game: 

"This time of the year, it’s just a great audit of the things that you’ve been working on over the summer.

"Without a doubt, we’ve had a balanced approach to our game in relation to having key parts in every phase, then seeing how they stack up.

"You get a really good idea of what you need to further educate or in today's case, there were a lot of opportunities to reinforce some great passages of play and actions that we want to see be a consistent part of our style this year.

"We came in with clear aims in different areas and we were pleased that we saw a lot of those things today."

On their main focus of the pre-season: 

"Our scoring efficiency from turnover has been an important part of our growth and it will be this season as we search to improve. 

"Using your numbers when they’re around the footy allows you to take ground and win field position off the back of that.

"The way that Collingwood play, they defend that back six really well and use that as a priority so you do have those numbers to use off turnover.

"The guys are really starting to complement their positioning to one another to hurt off turnovers." 

On Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow: 

"We’re starting to build that combination with Charlie and Harry that when they’re both playing, they both don’t need to be inside forward 50.

"We know with their athleticism and their ability to mark the footy rebounding out of the defensive half, they’re going to be great options and you’ve got the ruck that is going to slide in there.

"They’re working well together: they’ve had a full summer for the second time together and it’s a credit to the work they’ve put in, the relationship that they’re creating."

On Alex Mirkov: 

"It was a great opportunity for Alex to get out there. He’s improved over the summer to the point where we knew he could play a stoppage and give our midfielders opportunities.

"He's athletic, he’s long, he’s learnt the game with 'Pitto' and Tom De Koning and that’s led by Matthew Kreuzer.

"He’s doing a really good job. It was great to give him some exposure today because it gives you a great idea of where you’re at and what you need to do."

On Jesse Motlop: 

"He’s an exciting young talent and I think any young man that had the senior experience that he had last year and even the WAFL experience the year before that, he provides us a point of difference.

"He’s learning his craft, he can still continue to grow his ability to finish plays, but he certainly gives himself looks which is really exciting.

"He’s been durable, so he hasn’t missed too many sessions, which certainly helps your development. He’s tracking really well and we’re certainly excited about the player he’s going to be and the young man that he is."

On new players getting game time: 

"I don’t think you can underestimate the importance of wearing the colours and connecting with their teammates on the field.

"I think the pre-season games with an extended bench give players the opportunities that are important to their squad. 

"It’s contagious the energy that you see these kids come in with when they get to play their first game. Even though it’s a practice match, they’re still out there in the big time which is exciting for them."

On the Carlton faithful: 

"I don’t think there’s ever been a question of the fans, they have been loyal for many years and it’s only my second year but I was certainly blown away by the support that they provide their team.

"The numbers today indicate that and we’re looking forward to the journey that the season will provide for them and we hope we can continue to make them proud as supporters."