CARLTON'S final pre-season hitout has ended in a 45-point loss to the Brisbane Lions. 

After bringing the heat in the opening half, the Blues were outrun and outclassed by the Lions in the final practice match prior to the season opener. 

Q1 breakdown:

The Blues started the match with strong forward pressure, keeping the ball in their half but unable to convert. Will Setterfield worked hard in the middle, getting plenty of contested ball, while Sam Docherty provided great transition from the backline. Of course, it was Eddie Betts who got things going on the scoreboard to the delight of the Ikon Park crowd. Jack Newnes delighted his new fans with a clever finish, while it wasn’t long before Betts added a second. Levi Casboult and Mitch McGovern provided strong marking options as well as forward pressure, while Jacob Weitering and Kade Simpson stood up down back. After Carlton kicked the opening four of the game, a late Brisbane flurry saw the hosts lead by 11 points at the first change.

Q2 breakdown:

Carlton’s defence held up well in the opening stages of the third term, with the Lions unable to convert under the pressure of Docherty, Liam Jones and Kade Simpson. Michael Gibbons kicked the first for the home side in the second, with the assist coming from Betts. The Blues started to find space in the forward line, as Will Setterfield - who enjoyed a bright first half - turned an uncontested mark into a goal. Patrick Cripps was working overtime at the coalface to collect 19 disposals in the first half, while Jack Silvagni continued to be a reliable marking target around the ground. Brisbane fired up and kicked three quick goals in a row, narrowing the Blues lead to just five points at the main break.

Q3 breakdown:

The pattern of the second quarter returned in the third, with Gibbons’ opening goal cancelled out by a Brisbane flurry. Three consecutive goals gave the Lions the lead for the first time in the match, before a Levi Casboult goal from a tight angle gave the Blues a spark. Brisbane was strong out of centre bounces, gathering possession more times than not and putting pressure on Carlton’s defenders. Jack Martin showed class with his ball-use while Lachie Plowman gave consistent effort down back. While Carlton showed some positive signs in transition, a few missed shots on goal left the Blues trailing by 11 as the siren sounded. Forward Mitch McGovern completed his allotted game time unscathed and finished his night in the third term. 

Q4 breakdown:

Defenders Caleb Marchbank and Lachie Plowman came from the ground after knocks to the knee and ankle respectively, with assistant coach Dale Amos describing it as 'not overly serious' but to be assessed. Youngster Tom De Koning took to the field in the final term and provided the highlight for the Blues, taking a towering mark and converting with a banana. However, it was Brisbane who kicked the final four goals of the game to run away with a 45-point victory.

Three things from the game:

1. For the second straight game, Jack Martin proved exactly why Carlton went after his services so intently last year. The livewire collected 19 disposals and was a constant cool presence around the ground, showing his class going forward.
2. New year, same old Patrick Cripps. In his first official hitout in Navy Blue for the year, the co-captain started brilliantly, accumulating 19 disposals (nine contested) in the first half. While he ‘slowed’ down to finish with 30 disposals and 10 clearances, it was a typical performance first up. 
3. Carlton’s best matched it with one of the best sides in the competition from 2019, but lapses in-game cost them over the course of four quarters. Twice kicking out to four-goal leads, the Blues showed that when they do things well, they can mix it with anyone. 

CARLTON       5.3      7.4 9.6        10.6 (66)
BRISBANE      3.4      6.5 10.11       16.15 (111)

GOALS: Betts 2, Gibbons 2, Casboult, Curnow, De Koning, Newnes, Silvagni
BESTS: Cripps, Jones, Docherty, Walsh, Curnow, Dow