SOME new Blues, some emerging faces, and a familiar face leading the line for the first time.

February is right around the corner, which means that match simulation and practice matches are well and truly upon the football world.

For assistant coach Ash Hansen, it presents another opportunity for Carlton to hone in on their focuses of the pre-season, as well as blood some new talent which has arrived through the IKON Park doors.

Hansen is overseeing the defence for the first time in his five seasons at the Blues, providing an even fresher feel to the group after an off-season of change on Royal Parade.

In terms of new additions from the defensive side of things, Carlton has welcomed two players at opposite ends of the spectrum, but two who have been equally impressive in their own way.

For Hansen's full comments, watch the video in the player below.

“Ollie Florent coming down from Sydney has been a really welcome addition: his experience has really aided the group… he’s seen a lot in football,” Hansen told Carlton Media.

“He’s been really open and balanced in his ability to maintain standards but also support guys. Then, you’ve got his on-field presence with his ability to read the play defensively and also use his strengths offensively. That’s certainly going to help us.

“Then, there’s a young man in Harry Dean, who comes in with a storied history at the footy club - he’s tracking really well. The way he’s combative and competitive and sees the game, he’s shown a lot of the traits that led to him being taken quite high in the draft.”

The competition for spots has been a pleasing thing for Hansen, with a fresh energy providing the impetus for a number of Blues to try and stake their claim and put their hand up.

Among that group are two Blues who earned their breakthrough in 2025, a hungry half-back in his fifth pre-season plus an experienced veteran on the comeback trail.

“We’ve still got depth we’ve drafted in previous year, it’s really competitive. Matthew Carroll gets another pre-season, Billy Wilson gets another pre-season, Jordan Boyd has had a fantastic pre-season and he’s fighting for a spot.

“We’ve got Nic Newman coming back, who was out last year with injury and trying to establish himself again - we know what he can do.

“The depth and competitiveness in that group is high… we know over the course of the season, we’re going to have to call on them at some point.”