Get ready for a thrilling twist in the pre-season battle between Carlton and Brisbane! While the Blues emerged victorious, there's a sour note with an injury concern. An exciting young talent's performance was overshadowed by a potential Round 1 setback.
Carlton's win, fueled by a trade recruit and a draftee's impressive quarter, ended with a 15.13 (103) to 13.10 (88) scoreline. But here's where it gets controversial: Adam Cerra, a key midfielder, couldn't finish due to a hamstring injury, leaving his Round 1 availability in doubt. Will he make it in time? Only time will tell.
In a thrilling comeback, the Blues trailed by five points at three-quarter time but dominated the final term, thanks to some exceptional individual performances. And this is the part most people miss: an 18-year-old, Talor Byrne, kicked three of the four final-term goals, pushing hard for an immediate debut.
Brisbane started strong, kicking six goals in the first term, but the Blues fought back, with Jagga Smith and Ben Ainsworth's four goals keeping them in the game. Smith, in his first unofficial Carlton appearance, looked like a natural against AFL competition, showcasing his skills and intercepting plays.
Up front, Ainsworth and Will Hayward combined for six goals, offering a glimpse of a promising new-look attack for the Blues. But here's a thought-provoking question: Can this duo be the key to the post-Charlie Curnow era?
Now, let's talk about the highly anticipated Jagga Smith. This second-year midfielder has been generating buzz, and he certainly delivered on the hype. Despite a challenging rookie season due to an ACL injury, Smith had an impressive summer, showcasing the traits that made him the No.3 pick in 2024. He was a smooth operator, accumulating possessions and making an impact.
But Smith wasn't the only standout draft pick. Harry Dean, another key defender, impressed against Oscar Allen, a gun Lions forward. Dean's solid positioning forced Allen to man-handle him, a promising sign for the Blues' long-term defensive options.
Trade recruits Will Hayward, Ben Ainsworth, and Ollie Florent also made their mark, with Ainsworth finishing with three goals. Hayward and Ainsworth's combination was a sight to behold, and their six goals as a duo is a promising sign for the Blues' half-forward line.
Wade Derksen, an ex-Giant, put in a strong performance, pressing his case for a list spot. His versatility and ability to read the play were on full display. Meanwhile, Elijah Hollands is right there with him, pushing for a comeback after being delisted.
For Brisbane, they experimented with positions, including the return of Keidean Coleman and Lincoln McCarthy. Coleman, playing up forward, kicked a goal and showed his strength and speed. Oscar Allen, a marquee recruit, made his debut, presenting well and offering a glimpse of his potential impact.
So, what do you think? Will Carlton's new recruits and young talents carry them through the season? And can Brisbane's positional changes and new recruits help them defend their title? Let's discuss in the comments!
