“WE CERTAINLY saw the principles of how we want to play.”

Assistant coach Ash Hansen said the Carlton coaching staff got what they were looking for out of Friday’s intra club.

In the Blues’ four-quarter match simulation session, varying lengths and in-game scenarios were thrown at the players in their final dress rehearsal before games begin against external opposition in the coming week.

Under a new coaching structure and system, Hansen - speaking immediately after the conclusion of the session - said all involved could “walk away pretty pleased” from the hitout.

“It’s very symbolic that our pre-season ends with our most organised match simulation session. It was another stepping stone in our summer,” Hansen said.

“As a coaching group, we’re really happy that we got through healthy first and foremost, which gives us good selection for next week when we play the Saints.

“We’re continuing to see growth in players and the system we’re installing on both sides of the ball… we’re still looking for the consistency of the game style that we want to see.”

It was a chance for new Blues to build more chemistry with their teammates, having had the summer pre-season block to get to know their new surrounds. 

George Hewett and Adam Cerra were two that impressed (you can watch their highlights at the respective links) around the ball, with Hansen saying that the full-length contest was the best opportunity yet for them to jell.

“For all of those players that are joining our team, it’s about building the chemistry with their teammates around them. It’s a great opportunity for them to play longer game time together,” he said.

“Our smaller games and breakdown drills in training don’t really replicate that, so to be able to tap into fatigue at the end of quarters and work for periods of time, it builds that chemistry. It was another positive outcome for us.”

Given it’s still February, intra clubs by their very nature allow the coaches to throw the magnets around in preparation for scenarios which might come up during the season.

One of those examples was Brodie Kemp, who spent an equal amount of time in defence as he did in attack.

Heading into a year of uncertainty around player availability, Hansen said yesterday provided a chance to see what avenues the Blues could turn to on a needs basis.

“All of the guys that can play multiple roles is really important: especially this year, going into a level of uncertainty,” he said.

“Guys might have to fill roles that they otherwise might not have. ‘Kempy’ provided some height [up forward] and we know he reads the ball really well and competes. It was good to see him play both sides of the ball.”