Bold opening: Carlton’s bold pre-season win over Brisbane came with a sour twist that could ripple into Round 1. And this is the part most people miss: a key midfielder’s hamstring injury clouds the Blues’ early momentum even as they celebrate a spirited comeback. Here’s a fresh, beginner-friendly rewrite that preserves all facts, adds a touch of context, and keeps the tone professional and engaging.
Sour twist to a Brisbane triumph as Carlton surge in pre-season
Carlton overran Brisbane 15.13 (103) to 13.10 (88) in their first unofficial pre-season hit-out, propelled by a trade recruit, a standout youngster, and a draftee’s three-goal final quarter. Yet the result came with a setback: Adam Cerra could not finish the game due to a hamstring strain. AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge reported that Cerra is in doubt for Opening Round in 15 days and will undergo scans once he returns to Melbourne.
Cerra has had hamstring troubles during his time at Carlton, most notably in 2024 when he battled five injuries in 12 months.
After trailing by five points at three-quarter-time, Carlton surged in the final term, kicking four goals to Brisbane’s one to seal a 15-point victory at Springfield’s Brighton Homes Arena.
Three of Carlton’s four goals in that final term were kicked by 18-year-old Talor Byrne, the club’s Pick 45 in last November’s draft, who is pushing hard for a debut right away.
Brisbane started strong, kicking six goals in the first quarter, but Carlton fought back powered by Jagga Smith and Ben Ainsworth, who combined for four goals.
Smith looked remarkably comfortable among AFL bodies in his first unofficial Carlton appearance, winning plenty of the ball and pulling off intercepts at key moments. Up forward, Ainsworth and fellow recruit Will Hayward formed a potent duo, combining for six majors in a new-look attack that gives Blues fans hope beyond Charlie Curnow.
What stood out in the medium-term analysis
3-2-1 (What we learned)
- Very Exciting Jagga Smith Delivers on Hype
Few Blues players were as highly touted entering the new season as Jagga Smith. The second-year midfielder’s rookie year was cut short by a ruptured ACL in the pre-season, but this summer has shown the hallmarks of a top talent capable of a Round 1 appearance against Richmond. Smith, a smooth mover with a knack for accumulating the ball, featured heavily and even opened his account with Carlton’s first goal after a Lachie Fogarty handball from 40 metres.
He was active at ground level and formed a constructive midfield link with Sam Walsh. Late in the first quarter, Smith intercepted a Levi Ashcroft handball and threaded a left-footed pass inside 50. “A really good start for (Smith) … he looks very exciting,” said Kayo Sports analyst Richard Champion in the second term.
Smith struck again shortly after, reading Keidean Coleman’s handball in midfield, then sprinting the other way to find Harry McKay inside 50.
Another highlight for Blues fans was the presence of fellow 2023-24 draft selections in the lineup. Key defender Harry Dean, the No. 3 pick in last November’s draft, won a crucial free kick against Lions forward Oscar Allen, showing the kind of solid foundation Carlton hopes to build alongside Jacob Weitering.
- Blues Recruits Run Hot in SSP Race
Trade additions Will Hayward, Ben Ainsworth, and Ollie Florent made their first unofficial Carlton appearances after moving from Sydney. Hayward had several looks at goal, while Ainsworth finished with three goals. Hayward opened the scoring in the second term with a set-shot after a strong tackle on Dayne Zorko, setting up a productive night for Carlton’s forward line.
Early in the third quarter, Hayward and Ainsworth combined for a crafty pass that set up Ainsworth’s third goal. “They’re going to be a dangerous half-forward combination,” observed commentator Brett Thomas.
Ainsworth then kicked his fourth after picking off an errant Lions handball, while Hayward added a second in the third quarter to keep Carlton within five points. “They’ve got six goals from Ainsworth and Hayward—couldn’t ask for more from your new recruits,” Thomas said.
Defensively, ex-Giant Wade Derksen pushed his case for an SSP spot with sharp reading and accountability. Elijah Hollands also impressed in the same bracket, making a case after being delisted last year.
- Lions Mix Things Up; Allen OK on Debut
Brisbane experimented with positional rotations and welcomed marquee recruit Oscar Allen back into the fold. Keidean Coleman and Lincoln McCarthy returned from lengthy injury lay-offs. Coleman showcased leadership in attack after a long pause from senior football, while McCarthy flipped between roles in defence and attack as his knee recovers.
Coleman kicked in the opening term and looked sharp, then moved back to half-back later to provide balance. Conor McKenna and Will McLachlan offered smaller, lively options for Brisbane, with McKenna kicking two goals as a forward-50 opportunist and McLachlan creating multiple chances.
Allen scored once and looked capable without playing a defining role in this simulated game. “He’s been OK; serviceable,” said Champion, adding that Brisbane would maximize his strengths once they settle on his best use forward.
Meanwhile, McCarthy, finally healthy, operated in defence for Carlton’s Will Hayward and performed a shutdown task while continuing to contribute with effective ball use.
Bottom line for fans and viewers
The match showcased Carlton’s new-look forward line with Hayward and Ainsworth delivering, while Jagga Smith hinted at a breakout season. The main caveat remains Cerra’s hamstring, which could affect Carlton’s plans for Round 1. As always with pre-season form, it’s a mix of bright positives and cautionary notes that shape how clubs approach the next fortnight of preparation.
Thought-provoking question for you: Do you think Carlton’s forward combination, powered by Hayward and Ainsworth, is ready to shoulder the load in Round 1 if Cerra is unavailable? Or should the Blues pivot to a different structure? Share your take in the comments.
