Carlton’s new-look midfield stood out as the Blues defeated Essendon in a practice game at Ikon Park on Thursday afternoon.
The home side controlled things for the majority of the outing, winning 14.11 (95) to Essendon's 11.8 (74).
After a tough 2020, Paddy Dow looked explosive on-ball, finishing with two goals and was the standout for the Blues.
From the grandstands it looked like Kade Simpson was starting the game in the midfield, but it was actually Carlton’s high profile recruit Zac Williams in his old number, who spent the majority of the game in the middle.
After a year spent on the wing, Sam Walsh also showed off his expected positional change as an on-baller, while Jack Martin also spent some time in the midfield.
Of course, Patrick Cripps was also prominent.
This meant two of Carlton’s midfield regulars of 2020, Ed Curnow and Will Setterfield, were pushed out to the wings.
On the Essendon side of things, Cale Hooker played forward, but it was delisted Eagle Alec Waterman who starred, kicking four goals.
Waterman will be hoping the performance earns him a lifeline via the supplemental selection period.
Sam Draper impressed in the ruck, with Darcy Parish prominent playing on-ball.
Injured veteran Michael Hurley watched on from the bench on crutches as he deals with a serious infection in his hip.
Captain Dyson Heppell got through the game unscathed as he continues his return from an ongoing foot issue.
Top draftees Archie Perkins and Nik Cox had their moments in the first half.
In his first outing as a Blue, coincidentally against his old side, Adam Saad played his expected role across half-back.
He dashed through the middle in the third term, getting a handball receive off Dow and hitting Cripps deep inside 50, to the delight of the multiple tradies watching on.
The only injury concern for the Blues saw Harry McKay limping from the ground in the fourth quarter. As for the Bombers, Aaron Francis also needed help coming from the field with a leg issue.
With Levi Casboult (knee) and Mitch McGovern (hamstring tightness) absent, McKay was the lone key forward option, with Jack Silvagni also spending time deep forward.
Non-listed Blues Oscar McDonald and Callum Moore featured as well, with both filling the role as Carlton’s backup ruckman behind Marc Pittonet.
Photo credit: Rose Zarucky
Stay up to date with all the latest news from SEN. Sign up HERE.