AFTER a tight loss to Geelong in the weekend’s practice match, Carlton midfielder Shae Audley believes the team can take a lot of positives from the game leading into next Sunday’s season opener against the Kangaroos in Hobart.

Despite putting in a consistent performance and challenging the Cats in the last quarter, the Blues fell just two points short in their only game prior to their opening clash of AFLW 3.0.

Audley, who was last week announced in the Blues’ leadership group, was buoyant about their performance over the weekend.

“There were a lot of free-flowing plays throughout the game, where we got the ball from the back-line and straight into the forward-line,” the 30-year-old told 1116 SEN this morning.

“That really excited 'Harf' (coach Daniel Harford) as we were going.”

Harford has already shown he’s not afraid to switch the magnets around. On the weekend, he swung captain Bri Davey from her normal position at half-back to full-forward against Geelong.

The positional change paid off for the Blues, with Davey booting four goals and almost dragging her team over the line.

Audley said it was beneficial for Davey to gain some match practice ahead of the season proper.

“Being the first game back from her ACL injury, it was good for Bri to have her first hit-out. The four goals were a bit of a bonus,” she said.

WATCH: Davey's four goals on return

Audley was also able to hit the scoreboard herself, kicking one major while also influencing a number of plays.

She said she has enjoyed the pre-season so far and is prepared for the Round 1 trip to Hobart.

“[The pre-season] has stepped up a whole new level... I haven’t had too many sessions off the track, which is always the aim with the older body,” she said.

“I’m feeling really good and ready for Round 1.

“It will be good to see [the Kangaroos] in the league and see what they bring to the table.”

Carlton kicks off its AFLW 3.0 campaign on February 3 against the Kangaroos at North Hobart Oval.