WITH the JLT Community Series done and dusted, AFL Media analyses the impact the new rules had on Carlton and how the Blues adjusted.

Midfield: Patrick Cripps was ever-present in the Blues midfield, but he was surrounded by a host of promising young faces. Sam Petrevski-Seton spent a lot of time in the centre square, while Paddy Dow, Will Setterfield and Zac Fisher joined him. Sam Walsh and Marc Murphy spent the majority of their game time on a wing, staying wide of the contest.

Rucks: With Matthew Kreuzer absent, Andrew Phillips took on the majority of the ruck duties and performed admirably in both matches. Matthew Lobbe played only a half of JLT1, but looks unlikely to compete for a spot come round one. Expect Harry McKay to be the chop-out ruckman, with Kreuzer and Phillips competing for the main gig.

Back six at the bounce: Although they used a pretty conventional man-on-man structure at centre bounces, it will be interesting to see whether this tactic changes throughout the year given the amount of interceptors at the Blues' disposal. Jacob Weitering, Caleb Marchbank, Lachie Plowman and Liam Jones all like to drift from their opponent.

Forwards at the bounce: Mitch McGovern's arrival gave the Blues a new dimension in their forward line, though the trio of big men were frequently drawn to the same footy. That's a work in progress. All three shared getting higher up the field, as well as staying deep, while the new look group of small forwards looked dangerous.

Kick-ins: Nic Newman was the main man for the Blues, often playing out quickly from the square. Kade Simpson, Plowman and Dale Thomas were also handed the responsibility at times.

Other observations: The Blues tried to push the limits with their wings at times, particularly in JLT1. When the Bombers were making a comeback, Jack Silvagni lined up virtually on the point of the defensive side of the square. As soon as the footy was bounced, he sprinted back to give his side a seventh defender. Simpson then did it at times throughout JLT2. This tactic could become commonplace this year.