CARLTON has completed its first match simulation against external opposition of 2025, falling to St Kilda by 11 points at IKON Park.

In hot, blustery conditions on Royal Parade, the Blues rotated 30 players throughout the four quarters in what was a physical, taxing affair in the lead-up to the 2025 campaign.

Despite the 8.10 (58) to 10.9 (69) defeat on the scoreboard, Carlton could be buoyed by some of the signs shown in the February hitout, none more so than the three-goal performance of Jesse Motlop.

The Blues got off to a good start, with Harry McKay looking ominous in the opening 10 minutes with two goals, on the back of assists from Jaxon Binns and Orazio Fantasia.

As could always be expected, there were some early cobwebs for both teams as the weather dial kept increasing over the course of the day, but Carlton’s backline - with new faces Nick Haynes and Matthew Carroll - standing tall in the early going.

Unselfish work from Zac Williams ended in Tom De Koning converting from close range following a forward-half turnover, but a late goal to the Saints meant the Blues had a two-goal lead to show for their work after the opening half hour.

Motlop well and truly started to get going in the second term with a classy snap, while Lachie Cowan and Mitch McGovern showcased their physicality on the last line to stop St Kilda’s attacking forays.

After the Saints started to get on top in the second term, a late goal to Adam Cerra - on the back of a patient passage of play finished expertly by McGovern - ensured the Blues had a half-time lead.

The main break was where the changes started to be rung, as Patrick Cripps and Williams completed their allotted game time. Unfortunately for the Blues, Corey Durdin - who entered the fray to start the second half along with Cooper Lord - sustained an ankle injury in the opening minutes of his time on the ground.

St Kilda continued its form from the second term as Carlton struggled to capitalise on its own forward entries, with only a late goal via a Motlop free kick breaking through in the third quarter.

It was a willing contest particularly in the second half, with Lachie Cowan and Adam Saad both receiving corks, Nick Haynes cramping and Jagga Smith taken from the ground as a precaution.

With Tom De Koning and Marc Pittonet also getting through their game time, it meant Hudson O’Keeffe joined Harry Lemmey and Lucas Camporeale in the Navy Blue for the first time, while Elijah Hollands also entered the contest for the first time.

The closeness on the scoreboard meant the Blues were able to put into practice their scenario training into practice, with clever play from Blake Acres and Matthew Cottrell ensuring Motlop could snap a third.

The highlight of the day from a Carlton perspective came at the 20-minute mark of the final term, when Camporeale snapped truly on his left to mark his first outing in Navy Blue with a goal at the old Carlton ground.

While the Blues weren’t able to get the win on the scoreboard following a late goal to Tobie Travaglia, there was plenty to learn and take out of the February clash.

CARLTON     3.2     5.4     6.7     8.10 (58)
ST KILDA      1.2     5.3     8.6     10.9 (69)

Goals: Motlop 3, McKay 2, Camporeale, Cerra, De Koning