Discussion 2022 AFL: Practice Matches & AAMI Community Series Discussion
- Thread starter RIAL
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Tradies downed tools and watched on as the Blues and the Saints began their 2022 campaigns at Ikon Park on Thursday morning.
For the home side, it was a chance to unveil new recruits, a new strategy and players in new positions, while for the visitors, they hoped to integrate key pieces back from injury and continue to build Brett Ratten’s blueprint.
Carlton was clearly playing at a higher intensity level than St Kilda early on, with a clear intent to tackle and play at game speed.
Jack Silvagni kicked two early goals, but the curiosity early was Brodie Kemp, who started essentially as Carlton’s second tall forward next to Charlie Curnow.
Kemp was utilised as a key defender late last season, but provided a contest in the absence of Harry McKay. He kicked a goal after a lead-up mark in the third quarter, but presented well all morning.
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Curnow was well held for the most part by Josh Battle, but the Blue got through the game and covered the ground well. Battle has been settled in a key defensive post by the Saints and looked the part.
Mitch McGovern was unveiled in his new role in defence, though it was Oscar McDonald filling Liam Jones’ role alongside Jacob Weitering. Trade period recruit Lewis Young was named to play in the VFL scratch match alongside Paddy Dow, Ed Curnow, Lachie Fogarty and youngsters.
Recruits Adam Cerra and George Hewett were immediately inserted into the centre bounce alongside Patrick Cripps, giving the Blues depth they sorely lacked in 2021.
Cerra kicked two goals and impressed with his ball use on the outside of stoppages.
As for the Saints, Tom Campbell started in the ruck and held his own against Marc Pittonet, while Zak Jones was a key cog on-ball and provided plenty of run alongside Jack Steele and Seb Ross.
Jade Gresham got through his return from a torn Achilles in one piece, playing mostly inside 50.
Tim Membrey dominated the first half, both behind the ball when the Blues had momentum and inside 50 in the second term.
Max King and Jacob Weitering battled all afternoon and the young Saint looked every bit ready for a breakout year.
King took big marks inside 50, even flying against both Weitering and McGovern at times. His wayward goal kicking however once again bobbed up.
The Saints owned the second quarter, kicking five unanswered as the game flipped their way, before a more even contest broke out in the third.
The irrelevant final score saw the Blues win by a goal, but both teams would be happy with the hit-out.
For the home side, it was a chance to unveil new recruits, a new strategy and players in new positions, while for the visitors, they hoped to integrate key pieces back from injury and continue to build Brett Ratten’s blueprint.
Carlton was clearly playing at a higher intensity level than St Kilda early on, with a clear intent to tackle and play at game speed.
Jack Silvagni kicked two early goals, but the curiosity early was Brodie Kemp, who started essentially as Carlton’s second tall forward next to Charlie Curnow.
Kemp was utilised as a key defender late last season, but provided a contest in the absence of Harry McKay. He kicked a goal after a lead-up mark in the third quarter, but presented well all morning.
0 seconds of 1 minute, 35 seconds
x close
Curnow was well held for the most part by Josh Battle, but the Blue got through the game and covered the ground well. Battle has been settled in a key defensive post by the Saints and looked the part.
Mitch McGovern was unveiled in his new role in defence, though it was Oscar McDonald filling Liam Jones’ role alongside Jacob Weitering. Trade period recruit Lewis Young was named to play in the VFL scratch match alongside Paddy Dow, Ed Curnow, Lachie Fogarty and youngsters.
Recruits Adam Cerra and George Hewett were immediately inserted into the centre bounce alongside Patrick Cripps, giving the Blues depth they sorely lacked in 2021.
Cerra kicked two goals and impressed with his ball use on the outside of stoppages.
As for the Saints, Tom Campbell started in the ruck and held his own against Marc Pittonet, while Zak Jones was a key cog on-ball and provided plenty of run alongside Jack Steele and Seb Ross.
Jade Gresham got through his return from a torn Achilles in one piece, playing mostly inside 50.
Tim Membrey dominated the first half, both behind the ball when the Blues had momentum and inside 50 in the second term.
Max King and Jacob Weitering battled all afternoon and the young Saint looked every bit ready for a breakout year.
King took big marks inside 50, even flying against both Weitering and McGovern at times. His wayward goal kicking however once again bobbed up.
The Saints owned the second quarter, kicking five unanswered as the game flipped their way, before a more even contest broke out in the third.
The irrelevant final score saw the Blues win by a goal, but both teams would be happy with the hit-out.
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