CARLTON’S new AFLW recruits showed positive signs in Saturday’s practice match against North Melbourne.

New recruits Grace Egan, Lucy McEvoy, Joanne Doonan and Vaomua Laloifi were four of the fresh faces running out in the Navy Blue on Saturday, each impressing with their class and poise around the ground.

Irish recruit Joanne Doonan looked to work herself into the game as the day went on, having quickly picked up many of the intricacies of the game after making the switch to the code late last year.

Doonan was lively throughout the game, able to mark strongly in the forward half and hit targets in space to help the Blues fight back into the game.

19-year-old Grace Egan also looked right at home in the Navy Blue, showing why she was such a highly rated recruit in the off-season.

Egan played through the middle of the ground and combined well with Madison Prespakis and her fellow midfielders, while she was also given the tough task of running with star North Melbourne midfielder Emma Kearney.

While still early on in her AFLW career, Egan will provide a spark to the Blues’ midfield in the upcoming season.

All eyes were, of course, on Carlton’s top recruit Lucy McEvoy, with the No.2 draft pick shining with her class around the contest and versatility around the ground.

Speaking post-match, Senior Coach Daniel Harford shared his delight about McEvoy’s work rate as well as his excitement to watch her develop as the season progresses.

“She’s a jet: she’s a really class player,” Harford said.

“She’s obviously got a hell of a lot to learn: she’s effectively still a kid.

“We’ll look after her pretty well through the season I think, but she’s a footballer. She’s a true footballer and we love everything about her.”

Known for her ability to play in just about any position across the ground, McEvoy was rotated through several different lines during the practice match.

Harford said he was keen to give the 19-year-old every opportunity to find her feet at the top level.

“I think being a young player, we don’t want to throw her to the wolves too quickly in one position,” he said.

“We’ll give her a chance to show her flexibility and ability to impact games in different positions.”

Having joined Carlton after an impressive 2019 VFLW season with the Western Bulldogs, Laloifi played an important role in the Blues’ backline as they looked to regain ascendancy against a rampaging North Melbourne attack.

Playing as a spare defender, Laloifi was able to read the play well, control the ball in the air and give the Blues plenty of opportunity to build generate offence from down back.

While her presence was definitely felt on-field, Harford was quick to also commend Laloifi on the positivity she had added to the team during the off-season.

“‘Mua’ has brought unparalleled energy, that’s what she’s brought to our group,” he said.

“She’s a fantastic young woman, with great energy and great personality. We’re still going to teach her the game a little bit, but she’s got a lot to give in terms of a footy perspective from a defensive element.

“She is great energy, she’s high-octane, she’s exciting to watch, she’s great to coach and she’s a great teammate. They’re pretty positive traits for the start of her career.”

Carlton will now look to build on Saturday’s performance as they shift their attention to the Round 1 season opener against Richmond at Ikon Park.