CARLTON got through its longest block of match simulation in the recent training period ahead of next week’s clash with Melbourne.

The players were put through their paces in over 40 minutes of game play, with assistant coach Dale Amos saying the coaching staff liked what they saw.

Highlights the performances of Harry McKay and Michael Gibbons, Amos said there was reason for optimism in all phases of the game.

Speaking to Carlton Media, Amos said - out of necessity - the training schedule had escalated considerably in a short amount of time.

“We’ve ramped it up pretty quickly because we’ve had to,” Amos said.

“It’s the longest we’ve hit out in terms of the match simulation since we’ve come back. The intensity was really high and there were some really nice passages of play that give us confidence.

“We were able to attack pretty quickly and at stages, we were able to defend that as well… our contest stuff was quite good.”

After weeks of waiting for the green light, next week will finally mark a return to playing, with all eyes set to turn to Melbourne.

While Amos said the current aim had been getting Carlton’s own backyard right, he said the Blues would “sharpen the focus” towards their opposition next week.

“Most of it has been on us and making sure that physically we’re prepared, and also from a game-plan point of view that we’re really sharp on the stuff we want to do well,” he said.

“We haven’t looked at Melbourne much yet: the preparations for that will escalate next week as we enter a more normal week.”

Along with McKay and Gibbons, Amos said the match simulation and recent training sessions have been a chance for Carlton’s fringe players to put their hands up.

Encouraging them to seize the opportunity, Amos said the approach and mental attitude of the wider playing group had been a standout.

“For the guys who aren’t going to be playing in the AFL team, we’ve really pushed the case that they get a great opportunity,” he said.

“For [Finbar O’Dwyer] and young Ramsay and guys like that, the chance to train against well-credentialed AFL players — they’re starting to build a great opportunity to push their case.

“They attacked it with great vigour today.”