INTRA-CLUB, done.
A final marker was put on Carlton’s pre-season training block on Wednesday, with the playing group putting together a four-quarter intra-club in taxing conditions at IKON Park.
With practice matches in consecutive weeks against last year’s Grand Finalists to come heading into the season proper, it was the final example of Blues versus Blues (or, in this case, orange) before coming up against external opposition.
Magnets were thrown around and jumpers were swapped regularly, with a number of Blues putting their hand up on a day where Patrick Cripps and Jacob Weitering were on their way for State of Origin commitments.
The usual suspects shone, with some key midfielders getting plenty of the Sherrin in a combative session.
Contributing three goals and a bevy of marks inside 50, Harry McKay was the beneficiary of some slick ball movement further down the field, with Adam Cerra one to draw the praise of Head of Development Jordan Russell post-match.
“‘Cez’ in the first half especially with his ability to work with the midfielders and be our defensive block, getting in behind and setting up our offence off the back of that was really important,” Russell said.
He wasn’t alone, of course, with a pairing that fans would love to see for a long time in Navy Blue showing their chemistry together - despite one having never played a senior game.
“A young fella by the name of Jagga Smith played pretty well, his duo with his running partner in ‘Walshy’ [Sam Walsh] looked really dynamic.”
Going forward, a pair of new recruits continued to impress, just as they have done ever since arriving through the doors of IKON Park via last October’s trade period.
On the same side for all four quarters, Ben Ainsworth and Will Hayward worked well in tandem, both hitting the scoreboard but crucially getting involved further afield in a more dynamic front half for Carlton.
“Benny Ainsworth’s work rate to get up the ground complements what ‘Walshy’ and ‘Jags’ are doing from a midfield point of view, and he’s working really well with Will Hayward with their speed and pressure,” Russell said.
New draftees Jack Ison and Talor Byrne showed signs of promise according to Russell, but impressive young Blue Matthew Carroll (hamstring) was withdrawn from the hitout and will be assessed over the coming days.
After becoming a Blue in the mid-season draft of 2025 and playing eight games to finish the season, Flynn Young was lively with two goals, while another mid-season recruit Jordan Boyd impressed with his ball use - not least, a long-range goal from inside the centre square.
Russell also highlighted the showing of a key defender, who continued a strong pre-season campaign at IKON Park.
“Lewy Young is one that stood out, obviously with ‘Weiters’ being at the State of Origin game. He was our key defender, and what he’s been able to do has been great for him.
“He’s coming on really strongly: his intercept marks and spoils have been critical and have almost formed our first line of offence.”
The Blues will now prepare to head to Brisbane next week for their opening match simulation against the Lions next Wednesday, before taking on Geelong in a practice match on Wednesday 25 February under IKON Park lights.
