A PRACTICE hit out in the books. 

In their first clash against opposition for 2025, the Blues put themselves to the test at IKON Park in a strong contest with the Saints.

With a squad of 30 rotating through, Carlton used the match simulation to fine-tune scenarios and test positional shifts, marking the conclusion of their 2025 pre-season.

Jesse Motlop, who impressed with three goals and a crucial assist, was bullish about the hit-out, emphasising the value of executing their pre-season strategies against a determined opponent.

“I think it’s an ideal start – we can roll through all the modes we want to practice and that way when the real deal does come around, we’re ready for it,” Motlop said. 

“You forget how hot it is out there in the contest and playing against an opposition that wants it just as much as you. It’s definitely put us in good stead and we’re all ready to go again.”

After an injury-interrupted 2024, Motlop has strung together a strong pre-season, with senior teammates labelling him as ‘one to watch.’

That reputation was on full display in match simulation, as the 21-year-old hit the scoreboard early and worked tirelessly across the ground in tricky conditions over four quarters.

While putting points on the board is key, the small forward was more pleased with his efforts and ability to get his teammates into the game – a strong focus of his training in his fourth pre-season. 

“It’s good to see all the pre-season work coming out in games, not the goals but how I’m moving around the ground, my contest and defence,” he said.  

“I feel lively and the assist at the end was my highlight.”

The assist in question was to father-son recruit Lucas Campoerale, one of several young players who caught Motlop’s eye during the match simulation.

With an extended squad of 30, the Blues had the opportunity to assess positional depth and team chemistry, with plenty of young talent staking their claim for both AFL and VFL opportunities.

“I think the best thing about getting 30 boys out there is that we have so much depth and it just shows that anyone can come and step into the roles and everyone is ready,” he said.  

“We have a lot of young boys: Cooper Lord, Lucas Campoerale… They all came in and I thought they brought the heat and that’s exactly what we need from them.”

For most Carlton players, it was their first hit-out against opposition in 2025, but that wasn’t the case for Motlop, who played a half in the Indigenous All-Stars match last weekend.

Rotating through the forward line in the second half, Motlop took immense pride in wearing the Indigenous All-Stars jumper and representing his culture.

For the proud Larrakia man, the experience was unmatched – he felt an immediate connection with his teammates, giving him an extra spark heading into the 2025 season.

“The talent that you play with, there are pretty incredible players that are rolling through out there and to play a half with them was pretty special and you do really get to see how good they are,” he said. 

“The connection, there’s not really a connection that you can replicate anywhere else, it’s just once you come into a room full of boys that you barely know and all of a sudden, you’re best mates straight away.

“We had a lot of laughs and it was a great trip.”