FOR BEN Ainsworth, Wednesday night was his first chance to play alongside his new teammates.

But then again, even for Carlton supporters who have followed the team for the long-term, there was a distinct ‘new’ feel about the team that ran out against Brisbane.

In the Blues’ first hitout against opposition for the year, 10 of the 28 players who ran out on Wednesday night haven’t pulled on the Carlton jumper in a home-and-away game.

Ainsworth was one of them, who came across in the trade period as one of a handful recruits from other clubs.

Speaking post-match, the former Gold Coast Sun - who registered four goals on Wednesday night - said it was hard not to have a smile on his face as preparations continue for the season proper.

02:39

Practice Match v Brisbane | Ainsworth post-game interview

New recruit Ben Ainsworth spoke with Carlton Media after a four-goal outing against Brisbane.

“It was very fun to play,” Ainsworth said.

“Playing with big H leading the charge, Will Hayward, Talor Byrne, even ‘Kempy’ who had a period of time off last year with his Achilles, he came back and showed his power inside 50.

“It was quite enjoyable out there.”

02:48

Practice Match v Brisbane | Ainsworth kicks four

Watch all of Ben Ainsworth's four goals against Brisbane in the first practice match.

McKay and Lachie Fogarty were the familiar faces out there, as otherwise, there was a new dynamic about the Blues’ forward mix - as evidenced by the starting six.

McKay was the deepest, with Kemp (his first game in 312 days) and Ashton Moir (11 career games) directly in front of him. Then, the half-forward line was Ben Ainsworth, Will Hayward and Jagga Smith, who have combined for zero career games in Navy Blue.

That was before the introduction of Talor Byrne, whose three-goal cameo in the final quarter had teammates everywhere singing the praises of the first-year Blue.

“He’s a ripper. He’s a young footballer keen to learn, he’ll be a star going forward for us.

“He showed his talent. It’s a long season ahead, but he’s eager to learn and come in full steam ahead.”

00:56

Practice Match v Brisbane | Byrne on fire as Talor kicks three

Watch Talor Byrne's first hit out as a Blue as he kicks three in a quarter.

With over 150 games at the elite level, Ainsworth knows that there’s plenty for the Blues to improve on, and after an off-season of change, that enthusiasm for his first Carlton game is building by the day.

It was the Navy Blue training top on Wednesday night, with Carlton holding off on wearing the returning raised monogram until the season proper.

“I spent nine year at the Suns and I’m very grateful for that, but [pulling on the Navy Blue] is something special that I’ll hold going forward.

“Hopefully I pull it on in Opening Round and Round 1 and long into the future, I can’t wait.”