2025 Pre-Season

Practice Match No.1.

Carlton 3.2 20 5.4 34 6.7 43 8.10 58 St Kilda 1.2 8 5.3 33 8.6 54 10.9 69
Venue:	IKON Park, Carlton.
Date:	Saturday February 22, 2025 (11.00 am). 40 x 30 minute quarters, no time on.
Result:	Lost by 11 points.
Crowd:	TBA
Goalkickers:	J. Motlop 3, H. McKay 2, L. Camporeale 1, A. Cerra 1, T. De Koning 1.
Reports:	Nil.
Umpires:	TBA
Injuries:	J. Smith (Knee ACL).

Blues complete first clash of 2025

A rundown of how Carlton's first match simulation against external opposition went down. - By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media.

Carlton has completed its first match simulation against external opposition of 2025, falling to St Kilda by 11 points at IKON Park. In hot, blustery conditions on Royal Parade, the Blues rotated 30 players throughout the four quarters in what was a physical, taxing affair in the lead-up to the 2025 campaign. Despite the 8.10 (58) to 10.9 (69) defeat on the scoreboard, Carlton could be buoyed by some of the signs shown in the February hitout, none more so than the three-goal performance of Jesse Motlop. The Blues got off to a good start, with Harry McKay looking ominous in the opening 10 minutes with two goals, on the back of assists from Jaxon Binns and Orazio Fantasia.

As could always be expected, there were some early cobwebs for both teams as the weather dial kept increasing over the course of the day, but Carlton’s backline - with new faces Nick Haynes and Matthew Carroll - standing tall in the early going. Unselfish work from Zac Williams ended in Tom De Koning converting from close range following a forward-half turnover, but a late goal to the Saints meant the Blues had a two-goal lead to show for their work after the opening half hour. Motlop well and truly started to get going in the second term with a classy snap, while Lachie Cowan and Mitch McGovern showcased their physicality on the last line to stop St Kilda’s attacking forays. After the Saints started to get on top in the second term, a late goal to Adam Cerra - on the back of a patient passage of play finished expertly by McGovern - ensured the Blues had a half-time lead. The main break was where the changes started to be rung, as Patrick Cripps and Williams completed their allotted game time. Unfortunately for the Blues, Corey Durdin - who entered the fray to start the second half along with Cooper Lord - sustained an ankle injury in the opening minutes of his time on the ground.

St Kilda continued its form from the second term as Carlton struggled to capitalise on its own forward entries, with only a late goal via a Motlop free kick breaking through in the third quarter. It was a willing contest particularly in the second half, with Lachie Cowan and Adam Saad both receiving corks, Nick Haynes cramping and Jagga Smith taken from the ground as a precaution. With Tom De Koning and Marc Pittonet also getting through their game time, it meant Hudson O’Keeffe joined Harry Lemmey and Lucas Camporeale in the Navy Blue for the first time, while Elijah Hollands also entered the contest for the first time. The closeness on the scoreboard meant the Blues were able to put into practice their scenario training into practice, with clever play from Blake Acres and Matthew Cottrell ensuring Motlop could snap a third. The highlight of the day from a Carlton perspective came at the 20-minute mark of the final term, when Camporeale snapped truly on his left to mark his first outing in Navy Blue with a goal at the old Carlton ground. While the Blues weren’t able to get the win on the scoreboard following a late goal to Tobie Travaglia, there was plenty to learn and take out of the February clash.

Irish Saint bolts into contention, concern for Blues' No.3 pick

A host of fresh faces impressed in St Kilda's match simulation win over Carlton on Saturday. - By Riley Beveridge at Ikon Park.

Irish winger Liam O'Connell has bolted into surprise contention for St Kilda's round one side, with the athletic youngster impressing in the team's pre-season scratch match victory over Carlton on Saturday morning. O'Connell looked natural having started on a wing, kicking two goals in a standout display that could have the County Cork prospect angling for a spot in Ross Lyon's plans ahead of the club's season-opener against Adelaide. A new-look Saints side also handed extended midfield opportunities to both Hugo Garcia and Hugh Boxshall, with both taking their chance to help spearhead a relatively scrappy 10.9 (69) to 8.10 (58) victory at Ikon Park. Garcia was close to best-on-ground for St Kilda in sweltering 36-degree temperatures, forming a key part in a midfield group stacked with fresh faces alongside draftee Boxshall, rookie recruit Harry Boyd and trade arrival Jack Macrae. A depleted St Kilda, missing as many as 10 senior regulars due to injury, also saw glimpses from Angus Hastie and Max Hall before its No.8 pick Tobie Travaglia kicked a stellar sealing goal from beyond 50m late in the match to secure victory.

Carlton will be sweating over a knee injury to its No.3 pick Jagga Smith, who had flashed his talent across half-forward before departing the match at three-quarter time after limping from the field. "He was exciting. He's had a great pre-season and he's worked really well with the midfield group. He got a knock to his knee late, so we kept him off as a precaution. It'll be looked at in the next couple of days, but at the moment it's nothing too serious," Carlton assistant coach Tim Clarke said afterwards. The Blues rotated their midfield group, with superstar captain Patrick Cripps only playing in the first half, but saw plenty of promise from a forward line without two-time Coleman Medal winner Charlie Curnow. Harry McKay kicked the game's first two goals and looked an imposing threat inside 50m, while small forward Jesse Motlop was arguably the Blues' best player and finished with three goals for the day. Ollie Hollands did some nice things, having been moved to a new half-back role across the summer, while rookie recruit Matt Carroll grew into the game and also showed impressive signs in the backline. Carlton continues its pre-season preparations with a trip to Canberra to face Greater Western Sydney on February 28, while St Kilda plays Port Adelaide in the AAMI Community Series on March 1 at RSEA Park.

Young guns
St Kilda will have to consider Liam O'Connell for round one, while Hugh Boxshall should also be in contention given his performance through the midfield. Harry Boyd was another who looked comfortable in a solo ruck role. Max Hall did some nice things and kicked a goal. Tobie Travaglia kicked a stunning sealer after coming on at three-quarter time, while both Isaac Keeler and Max Heath played limited minutes as they chase AFL debuts. Jagga Smith flashed some nice glimpses across half-forward, before leaving the field injured, while Matt Carroll also looked very promising in a defensive role across half-back. Lucas Camporeale kicked a nice goal in the last quarter, while Harry Lemmey and Hudson O'Keeffe only came on late.

Switching positions
Carlton's Ollie Hollands showed some nice glimpses of what he can produce across half-back, having made the move over the summer, while Tom De Koning spent extended stints forward when Marc Pittonet took the ruck duties. Hugo Garcia was exciting in a midfield role for St Kilda. Anthony Caminiti played forward in the absence of Max King, having been tabbed to play in the backline across pre-season.

Injury watch
There will be some concern over Carlton's No.3 pick Jagga Smith, after he limped from the field in the third quarter with a knee injury. Small forward Corey Durdin also came off with an ankle issue. The Blues hope Sam Walsh (hamstring) will return for next week's scratch match, while Charlie Curnow (knee) is now considered unlikely to make round one. Jack Silvagni (knee) is close to making his long-awaited return. St Kilda is confident Rowan Marshall (pelvis), Jack Sinclair (hamstring), Max King (knee) and Mason Wood (quad) make round one, but Alix Tauru (back), Mattaes Phillipou (leg), Liam Henry (knee), Dougal Howard (shoulder) and Paddy Dow (knee) are among those a little further behind in their recovery.

AFL Squad:

2. Lachlan Cowan, 3. Jesse Motlop, 4. Oliver Hollands, 5. Adam Cerra, 6. Zac Williams, 7. Jagga Smith, 8. Lachie Fogarty, 9. Patrick Cripps, 10. Harry McKay, 11. Mitch McGovern, 12. Tom De Koning, 13. Blake Acres, 14. Orazio Fantasia, 15. Sam Docherty, 17. Brodie Kemp, 19. Corey Durdin, 20. Elijah.Hollands, 21. Lucas Camporeale, 23. Jacob Weitering, 25. Jaxon Binns, 26. Nick Haynes, 27. Marc Pittonet, 29. George Hewett, 31. Harry Lemmey, 32. Matt Carroll, 33. Lewis Young, 36. Cooper Lord, 40 Hudson O'Keeffe, 42. Adam Saad, 43. Ashton Moir, 46. Matthew Cottrell

Notable absentees: Jack Silvagni, Sam Walsh, Nic Newman, Charlie Curnow, Alex Cincotta.

Practice Match No.2.

Carlton 5.5 35 8.7 55 12.12 84 18.16 124 GWS Giants 0.2 2 4.6 30 6.9 45 9.12 66
Venue:	Manuka Oval, Canberra, ACT.
Date:	Friday 28th February, 2025 (5.10 pm).
Result:	Won by 58 points.
Crowd:	TBA
Goalkickers:	B. Kemp 3.1, O. Fantasia 2.1, H. McKay 2.0, A. Cerra 1.0, Z. Williams 1.1, M. McGovern 1.0, A. Saad 1.0, M. Cottrell 1.4, L. Fogarty 1.0, E. Hollands 1.0, S. Docherty 1.0, F. Evans 1.0, G. Hewett 1.0, J. Motlop 1.1, L.Young 0.1, Rushed 0.4
Reports:	Nil.
Umpires:	Brendan Hosking, Simon Meredith, Jacob Mollison, Martin Rodger.
Injuries:	M. McGovern (ankle).

Blues shine in Canberra

Carlton took home a 58-point victory in their AAMI Community Series match. - By Rose Zarucky, Carlton Media.

In their final dress rehearsal for the 2025 pre-season, Carlton delivered a convincing 58-point victory in Canberra against Greater Western Sydney. Leading from the outset, the Blues produced an impressive first quarter and didn't look back from there in the 18.16 (124) to 9.12 (66) win. Bursting out of the blocks at Manuka Oval, the Blues held the Giants goalless in the opening term and dominated the clearance battle by claiming the first nine. Harry McKay hit the scoreboard early with two goals, first capitalising on a smooth chain of play, then a centre clearance from George Hewett: the Blues' dominance at the contest was obvious early, winning the first 10 clearances of the game. Carlton’s defence stood firm from the outset, with the returning Jack Silvagni, Ollie Hollands and Mitch McGovern pulling down strong intercept marks, while Nick Haynes was good in the air against his former side. The Blues maintained their forward-half pressure, with Jesse Motlop, Lachie Fogarty and Brodie Kemp keeping GWS' defenders under constant pressure. Adam Cerra produced a stunning goal in the opening term, launching the Sherrin from the centre square while making his mark in the contest, finishing the game with 21 disposals and seven score involvements. Carlton's swift ball movement from the first quarter slowed in the second, as Greater Western Sydney capitalised on their stoppage dominance with two early goals. Captain Patrick Cripps went head-to-head with Toby Greene in the second term as the Giants began to find their rhythm, before Orazio Fantasia delivered a fearless pack mark which resulted in a goal, while Kemp capitalised on a pinpoint assist from Adam Saad.

Mitch McGovern (ankle) was subbed out, before Saad then made an impact up forward, slotting a trademark running goal - complete with his signature bounce - to push Carlton’s lead to 25 points at the main break. The third quarter saw a much tighter contest, with plenty of end-to-end play but limited scoreboard impact. Carlton’s fast transition game got going, ultimately recording four goals for the term: Matt Cottrell pounced on a tap from Lewis Young to claim his first goal of the day. Fantasia was an excellent contributor particularly in the third term, with all five of his disposals for the quarter ending in score involvements and inside 50s, capped off by a brilliant running goal from distance for his second goal of the day. Kemp continued to showcase his aerial prowess, ending the day with three goals from five inside-50 marks, providing a focal point forward of the ball. A late crumbing goal from Lachie Fogarty in the third term pushed Carlton’s lead to a game-high 39 points as they geared up for the final quarter. On a day where the Blues once again used their full complement of an extended squad, Matt Carroll entered the game in the last term and made an immediate, impressive impact in defence, while a classy left-foot snap from George Hewett took Carlton’s score into triple digits, while Francis Evans celebrated his first goal less than a week after joining the side. Tom De Koning was dominant as the main ruck - rotating with a versatile Lewis Young - finishing with 20 hitouts and four clearances, leading to Carlton winning the hitout count 42-31 and finishing +12 in the clearance count. Late goals from Sam Docherty and Motlop capped off a promising team performance, making it 14 individual goalkickers on the night contributing to the 18 majors. It was a highly efficient performance going forward for the Blues, producing a shot on goal from 64 per cent of inside 50s, while their pressure lifted from the week prior, recording 56 tackles - 12 of those coming inside 50.

Injury mars Blues' big win, Giants recover after slow start

Carlton thumps last year's semi-finalists Greater Western Sydney by 58 points but has concerns over the fitness of defender Mitch McGovern. - By AAP with Alison O'Connor

Carlton has put its disappointing end to 2024 behind it with an impressive win over Greater Western Sydney in its final tune-up ahead of the season. The Blues made short work of last year's semi-finalists, dominating from start to finish in an 18.16 (124) to 9.12 (66) mauling at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Friday night. Coach Michael Voss' only concern will be the fitness of veteran Blues defender Mitch McGovern, who limped from the field after tweaking his ankle taking a mark in the second quarter. McGovern was one of the standouts before his early exit, kicking one of Carlton's five goals and rising clear above Giants rookie Oliver Hannaford for an early mark of the season contender in a dominant 35-2 opening quarter. Key forward Harry McKay was also put on ice later in the contest, but his treatment was most likely only precautionary. McKay kicked two goals and was among a handful of Carlton players to impress.

Full forward Brodie Kemp finished with three goals, his third following an acrobatic mark over Jack Buckley in the final minutes, while Orazio Fantasia had two. With his side having prevailed in just one of their final six matches to round out last season, Voss will have been encouraged to see the Blues have the edge over their opponents in the ball movement, physicality and kick accuracy departments. The Giants grew into the game after their horrendous start but were always second best. Their leading goalkicker from last season, Jesse Hogan, snared three majors, while the diminutive Darcy Jones bagged two, but stars Toby Greene and Stephen Coniglio barely factored. Carlton's Tom De Koning dominated in the ruck, finding his teammates in 12 out of 20 hitouts, compared to 4 in 24 attempts by Giants big man Lachlan Keeffe. In another positive for the Blues, Jack Silvagni got through his first game since his ACL injury, with the forward-turned-defender to be a handy addition for Voss following his lengthy layoff.

New faces
Carlton's Lucas Camporeale was outstanding in his first full hitout after only playing in the latter stages of the game against St Kilda last week. Blues recruit Nick Haynes (21 disposals, 10 marks) was influential against his old side, while supplemental selection period signing Francis Evans kicked a goal in his first outing for Carlton after being given a third bite at the first-grade cherry, having previously been delisted by Port Adelaide and Geelong. Untried Blue Matt Carroll started on the bench and had limited game time. A trio of uncapped youngsters featured in the Giants' squad, with 2024 pick No.18 Oliver Hannaford and 2023 first-round pick James Leake featuring strongly, while first-year Giant Cody Angove made the most of his chances in the second half.

Round one chance
Lucas Camporeale did his chances of a round one debut no harm with an impressive performance on a wing, collecting 20 touches, eight marks and two clearances to be among the Blues' better players. Defender-turned-forward Brodie Kemp seemed to enjoy his new role in attack, kicking a team-high three goals, and will be an important target for the Blues early, particularly if Charlie Curnow isn't fit in time to face the Tigers. Star Giants recruit Jake Stringer is expected to feature in the club's Opening Round clash with Collingwood despite missing both pre-season hitouts due to illness. Youngsters Cody Angove, Oliver Hannaford and James Leake pushed their case for an early-season debut with a strong showing. Phoenix Gothard is another in line for an Opening Round call-up after an impressive pre-season, despite missing against the Blues with an ankle injury.

Medical room
Carlton defender Mitch McGovern departed the game late in the second quarter with an ankle concern and took no further part as a precaution, but Jack Silvagni got through unscathed in his first game since tearing his ACL in round 19, 2023. Key forward Charlie Curnow is continuing to manage a knee injury and will return either against Richmond in round one or against Hawthorn in round two, while the club expects star midfielder Sam Walsh (hamstring) to be fit to face the Tigers. Marc Pittonet (calf), Corey Durdin (ankle) and Jagga Smith (knee) were other Blues to miss against the Giants. For GWS, Jake Stringer (illness) didn't play but is expected to be available to face Collingwood, Callum Brown (hamstring) is touch-and-go, while Tom Green (calf) is not expected to feature until after the Giants' round two bye.

Best: L. Camporeale, T. De Koning, N. Haynes, G. Hewett, P. Cripps, O. Hollands.

Team

B:	42 Adam Saad	23 Jacob Weitering	2 Lachlan Cowan
HB:	26 Nick Haynes	11 Mitch McGovern	4 Ollie Hollands
C:	13 Blake Acres	9 Patrick Cripps	21 Lucas Camporeale
HF:	8 Lachie Fogarty	17 Brodie Kemp	6 Zac Williams
F:	44 Francis Evans	10 Harry McKay	3 Jesse Motlop
Ruck:	12 Tom De Koning	5 Adam Cerra	29 George Hewett
Interchange:	14 Orazio Fantasia	46 Matt Cottrell	1 Jack Silvagni
	36 Cooper Lord	33 Lewis Young	32 Matt Carroll
	15 Sam Docherty	20 Elijah Hollands
Emergencies:	25 Jaxon Binns	35 Billie Wilson	43 Ashton Moir
	31 Harry Lemmey
Coach:	Michael Voss

Notable absentees: Sam Walsh, Charlie Curnow, Marc Pittonet, Corey Durdin, Jagga Smith, Alex Cincotta, Nic Newman

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