ASSISTANT coach Dale Amos said Carlton would take both positives and learnings out of Sunday’s clash with Brisbane.

The Blues started brightly at Ikon Park, kicking out to a four-goal lead midway through the second quarter. After frustration the week prior, it was Carlton’s ball movement going forward which stood out in the opening half.

However, the Lions would ultimately overrun the Blues, piling on some late goals to finish with a 45-point win.

Speaking to media post-match, Amos said the pre-season hitout presented another chance to grow.

“The snapshot is in both halves,” Amos said.

“The first half is more of what we want to be. The second half was about our growth and learnings out of the game: being able to do it for longer, particularly against top-four calibre sides.

“There is optimism on the back of what we were able to see.”

Amos said the showings of youngsters was a shining light to take from the game (“Paddy Dow did some really nice things, Will Setterfield is looking like an established player”) — but he understood the frustration surrounding the second half.

He reiterated Brent Stanton’s sentiments from a week prior where he said that everything was centred around being ready for the season proper.

“It’s a practice match, it’s preparation for Round 1 — but we want to go out there and win,” he said.

“When you play good sides and have yourself in a position to perform and potentially win games, you want to be able to do that.

“It’s the balance of using it as a great opportunity too learn but also having the desperation to win every time we suit up and go out there.”