IT’S MATCH simulation season.

Carlton’s players were put through their paces in their biggest allotment of game simulation for the pre-season so far.

With blue and orange jumpers swapping aplenty over the course of three time periods, there were a number of key Blues who put their hands up with the first practice match just a fortnight away.

Harry McKay was the pick of the bunch up forward, kicking five goals and putting in a dominant shift in the air with his contested marking prowess on full display.

He was well supported by Jack Silvagni and Sam Walsh, who both contributed three goals — Walsh largely as an inside midfielder.

Recruit Zac Williams proved his wares with two early goals pushing forward from the centre bounce, while Carlton reserves fill-in Ben Crocker was the pick of the bunch of the VFL contingent, contributing four opportunistic goals himself.

Co-captains Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty both contributed precisely what was expected of them, with Cripps dominating around stoppages while Docherty mopped up across half back and got involved offensively.

Draftee Jack Carroll had some impressive moments around the ball, supporting Paddy Dow and Matthew Kennedy’s bullocking work at the centre bounce. Zac Fisher and Marc Murphy both hit the scoreboard as small forwards, while Lachie Fogarty provided two classy assists in quick succession.

In arguably the most heartening news of the day, Nic Newman - who had his 2020 cut short due to a ruptured patella tendon - emerged unscathed, putting in a customary shift across half back.

More highlights will be available on carltonfc.com.au over the coming days.