"To introduce all those new players and see the synergy they played with and how connected they were… it was a credit to a lot of things around the Club."
Carlton forwards coach Josh Fraser spoke with the media following the Blue's practice match against Brisbane. Here's what he had to say...
A positive hit-out
"It's nice to be playing an opposition. I know there's been some discussion around the length of pre-season, but you always get to this time of year and you're ready to test all the things you've been training. So, it was nice to to come up here and see some of the evidence that we have been training. After somewhat of a sluggish start, we were able to get our game going, and we walk away with some really good passages of play offensively, and at times we defended the ground really well. We've got a lot to work on still, but for a first hit out it was a it was a pleasing result."
The new-look forward line
"I think we've become quite dynamic in the front half when you bring in players like Ainsworth and Hayward. And even the pre-existing guys, Fogarty and Kemp, these types, they give you a different look inside 50. It was important that we found different avenues to goal tonight. We didn't connect on every play, but we're exploring what this looks like, and tonight gave us some really good feedback. And then to introduce Talor Byrne in the last quarter and for him to kick some goals as well. We're starting to build some depth in our front half, but it's really our overall ball movement that we're after."
Talor Byrne's three-goal final quarter
"He's super talented, he's certainly got something. He's a natural footballer, and he applies pressure inside our forward 50, cut he's quite creative around goal and uses the ball well. So, I think everyone's acknowledged how smart a player he is already, and to see him come out and have an impact in the last quarter was exciting."
Jagga Smith's long-awaited return
"I thought he was terrific. We're mindful of not loading him up too much... The way he connects with the midfield, having missed a lot of football, (and) the synergy he brings. His composure with the ball in hand and moving the ball inside 50 as well, he's going to be a terrific player. He's so determined, he takes a lot of pride in his performance and he wants to win, so for him to get out there and get through and and show some encouraging signs, it's a great step for him."
Ainsworth and Hayward's impressive debut performances in Navy Blue
"I had an idea of what sort of players they were, but being players from interstate clubs, you're not exposed to them as often. (They're) both terrific players, and I think they bring different things and different skillsets to the side.They're multifaceted, they've both got huge work rate, both pretty good in the air, both apply pressure at ground level. But I think most importantly, they're just great teammates. They're great for players around them and they've added to the culture of the Club, they've been two great additions.
"For a group of guys that haven't played footy together, to be able to stay present and stay connected was really pleasing, so that's a credit to lots of things around the Club, but the work that (all the recruits) have put in over the summer and the way we've gone about it, gave us some good evidence tonight."
