DALE Thomas wants Carlton to build on the positives shown last week when the team heads to Morwell on Monday.

The Blues will venture to Morwell Recreation Reserve for its second of two JLT Community Series games.

Ahead of the game with the Pies, Thomas said there were pleasing signs from the win over Essendon, but something which the Blues wouldn’t be getting ahead of themselves with.

“We got a look at a couple of new boys and a few of those guys in their second and third years look like they’ve come on this pre-season,” Thomas said.

“It was our first hit-out and hopefully we take the learnings — both good and bad — from that game and we can put it into JLT 2 against the Pies.”

A move to the half-back line resulted in a career-best season in Blue last season for Thomas, who collected 26 disposals and six inside 50s against the Bombers.

The veteran was full of praise for a trio of teammates who featured alongside him down back.

“Nic Newman coming down there is kicking the ball really well. Liam Jones was fantastic,” he said.

“Jacob Weitering is really carrying on from a solid pre-season and translated that into games. He’s  becoming a bit of a general down there.

“The way we moved the ball for the most part was pretty positive and I thought as a group we defended pretty well.”

Pending selection, Monday’s game presents a unique opportunity for Thomas. The game isn’t only against his former side: it’s also back at his junior ground.

Thomas said the Blues would go into the class with an eye to the season opener against Richmond in a fortnight.

“It’s a familiar opponent and territory against the Pies, my old mob, and in Morwell which is my junior team down there — the Gippsland Power.

“We’re looking forward to another good hit-out, another chance to improve going into the season proper.

“Monday afternoon, it should be good times.”