WHILE Carlton didn’t get the result, there was something to warm the Navy Blue heart in Mandurah.

After over 900 days between games, co-captain Sam Docherty emerged unscathed from the Marsh Community Series clash with Fremantle.

The defensive general collected 19 disposals and 10 rebound 50s in the loss, blowing out the cobwebs in the lead-up to the season proper.

And apart from some cramp in the final term, he said he felt no ill effects throughout the game.

“That’s pretty normal for this time of year. Other than that, the knee felt awesome,” Docherty said on FOX Footy.

“It was pleasing to get through the full game and play the minutes I was supposed to.”

Spending 80 per cent of his time on the ground, it was a welcome sight to see Carlton’s No.15 in action once more.

He’ll be hoping to be joined by some familiar faces next week, with fellow co-captain Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy and Lachie Plowman among the players to miss the clash with Fremantle.

While pleased to be back in action, Docherty said he and the Blues had areas for growth ahead of a Round 1 clash with the reigning premier.

“It was good to be out here and having a run around: it’s better than sitting on the bench with the headset on,” he said.

“It wasn’t the result we were after and we’ve got a bit to work on before Round 1 which is good.”