2026 Pre-Season
Match Simulation.
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| Venue: | Brighton Homes Arena (Michael Voss Oval), Brisbane. |
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| Date: | Wednesday February 18, 2026 (6.00 pm). 4 x 30 minute quarters, no time on. |
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| Result: | Won by 15 points. |
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| Crowd: | TBA |
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| Goalkickers: | Ben Ainsworth 4.0, Talor Byrne 3.1, Will Hayward 2.1, J. Smith 1.0, H. McKay 1.1, A. Cerra 1.1, L. Fogarty 1.0, A. Moir 1.1, A. Saad 1.0, B. Kemp 0.2, C. Lord 0.2, S. Walsh 0.1, O. Florent 0.1, Rushed 0.2. |
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| Reports: | Nil. |
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| Umpires: | 16 Brendan Hosking, 19 Alex Whetton, 36 Andrew Adair, 40 Harrison Birch. |
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| Injuries: | A. Cerra (hamstring). |
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AFL Squad:
4. Ollie Hollands, 5. Adam Cerra, 6. Zac Williams, 7. Jagga Smith, 8. Lachie Fogarty, 10. Harry McKay, 11. Mitch McGovern, 12. Ben Ainsworth, 14. Oliver Florent, 15. Billy Wilson, 16. Ben Camporeale, 17. Brodie Kemp, 18. Sam Walsh, 19. Will Hayward, 20. Elijah Hollands, 25. Liam Reidy, 27. Marc Pittonet, 29. George Hewett, 31. Campbell Chesser, 33. Lewis Young, 35. Harry Dean, 36. Cooper Lord, 37. Jordan Boyd, 39. Talor Byrne, 40. Hudson O’Keeffe, 42. Adam Saad, 43. Ashton Moir, 47. Wade Derksen.
Notable absentees: Patrick Cripps, Lachie Cowan, Blake Acres, Lucas Camporeale, Harry O'Farrell, Jacob Weitering, Nic Newman, Nick Haynes, Harry Charleson, Jack Ison, Matt Carroll, Rob Monaghan, Matt Duffy, Francis Evans, Flynn Young, Matt Cottrell
Fresh-faced Blues light up match sim, concerns for Lions pair
Carlton's new recruits and draftees impressed in a win over reigning premier Brisbane. - Michael Whiting.
Life after Charlie Curnow might not be so bad for Carlton, with its remodelled forward line looking quick and dynamic in a 15-point match simulation win over Brisbane on Wednesday night. Ben Ainsworth (four goals) and Will Hayward (two) did a lot of heavy lifting in the first three quarters, before draftee Talor Byrne stole the show with three final-quarter goals to lift the Blues to a 15.13 (103) to 13.10 (88) victory. The one sour note for Carlton was a hamstring injury suffered by midfielder Adam Cerra, placing him in doubt for the Opening Round clash against Sydney. Brisbane has some injury concerns of its own with former West Coast captain Oscar Allen and veteran defender Ryan Lester both suffering concussion in the loss.
Ben Ainsworth was magnificent in his first game in navy Blue, charging up and down the field from his half-forward position and creating plenty of havoc with former Swan Will Hayward alongside him. Talor Byrne, taken at No.45 in last year's Telstra AFL Draft, was a breath of fresh air in the final term, using his speed to kick a couple of goals and then bang home a lovely long-range set shot to seal victory. Although Curnow headed to Sydney last October and Harry McKay was kept to just one goal against Harris Andrews, Michael Voss' team shared the load in an impressive outing. Just three times in 2025 did Carlton kick 15 goals.
Jagga Smith did enough after 12 months out with a ruptured ACL to get Carlton fans excited, kicking an early goal and doing plenty of nice things around the contest. His speed from congestion on two or three occasions was eye-catching. The two-time reigning premiers burst from the gates with six opening-quarter goals to establish a 21-point lead, but were a little sloppy as the match wore on. Levi Ashcroft was outstanding, kicking two goals in a showing that would have coach Chris Fagan contemplating giving him more midfield time once the home and away season begins. Allen had a quiet first game for his new club, kicking an early goal from a free kick before suffering his head knock late in the match. Lachie Neale was another big name to look a little rusty, getting his hands on the ball enough, but not having his usual damage, while Zac Bailey (three goals) and Jarrod Berry were among the home team's best.
Young guns
All eyes were on Carlton youngster Jagga Smith after the No.3 pick from the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft missed his first season with an ACL injury. The dynamic midfielder made an immediate impact, banging home a goal on the run from 40m in the first quarter. He showed nice touches around the contest throughout, with one dashing run-and-bounce hitting Harry McKay on the chest inside 50. Harry Dean should also get Blues fans excited, playing on a range of opponents in defence, with one excellent intercept mark against Kai Lohmann deep in defence particularly impressive. Talor Byrne, the 45th pick in last year's draft, kicked three goals in a blistering final-quarter burst. Lions Academy graduate Dan Annable spent time on a wing and in the midfield, and despite some nice moments, didn't have a huge involvement, while Cody Curtin, the younger brother of Adelaide's Dan, got plenty of minutes as a back-up ruck and impressed with his physicality.
Switching positions
Just two notable changes for the Lions with a couple of returnees from long-term injuries finding new homes. Keidean Coleman started in the forward line and made an early impact with an assist to Zac Bailey and a goal of his own in the third quarter. He faded out of the game, but moved well and should be in line for an Opening Round berth. Lincoln McCarthy, off back-to-back ruptured ACLs, played at half-back. The veteran looked a little rusty early, but warmed into the contest with some nice touches. Oliver Florent started his time at Carlton at half-back, a role he played at Sydney, but one he mixed time with there as a winger. Oliver Florent was solid more than spectacular and certainly has a home there. Ashton Moir was thrown into the midfield in the final quarter and finished the game full of run.
Injury watch
Reliable defender Ryan Lester left the field just before half-time after appearing to clash heads with a Carlton opponent. Lester got to his feet quickly and was flexing his jaw. He did not return to the ground after being ruled out with concussion. Oscar Allen suffered a similar fate later in the match and will be unavailable next week. Josh Dunkley, Jarrod Berry and Jaspa Fletcher – who all had off-season shoulder surgeries – all successfully got through. After having a strong impact through the first half, Adam Cerra suffered yet another hamstring injury to finish the game on the bench. Adam Saad was in the wars for the Blues during the second term, appearing to be winded after a heavy fall and then copping another big hit later in the quarter, but managed to play the game out.
Carlton's forward line is wildly different
The Blues enter the post-Curnow era with a wildly different forward line, with a clear focus on ground balls and high pressure. Centred around Harry McKay, Carlton trialled a front 50 with developing ruckman Hudson O'Keeffe joining McKay within the arc. Brodie Kemp spent time in the goal square, with Will Hayward, Ben Ainsworth and Lachie Fogarty frequently bobbing up. Former Sun Ainsworth was the standout with four goals. Ashton Moir played higher up the ground, with Talor Byrne (three goals) coming alive late on. Despite the small sample size, the change looked far more dynamic than it has in recent years - although Harry McKay was targeted rather frequently, ball-on-deck spelt danger for the Lions, with the Blues earning a glut of holding the ball free kicks while keeping the ball in their front half with much stronger security. Certainly one to watch going forward.
The Blues' newest faces impressed
Jagga Smith, Harry Dean, Will Hayward and Ben Ainsworth - these four will prove crucial cogs for the Blues for the foreseeable future. Jagga's highly anticipated return did not disappoint, bagging the Blues' first major and putting his impressive wheels and ball-winning ability on display. While his talent was never in question, it's clear to see why expectations are so high. Harry Dean had some top moments within a heavily undermanned defensive unit, while Will Hayward and Ben Ainsworth provided a fresh look going forward, combining for six majors. Talor Byrne's three-goal final term could also earn him a call up incredibly early on. Oliver Florent, Campbell Chesser, Liam Reidy and Wade Derksen all had their moments, and are certain to offer plenty to Carlton's mix in 2026. Superb recruitment from the Blues.
AAMI Community Series Practice Match.
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| Venue: | IKOB Park, Carlton. |
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| Date: | Wednesday February 25, 2026 (7.10 pm). 4 x 30 minute quarters, no time on. |
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| Result: | Won by 15 points. |
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| Crowd: | TBA |
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| Goalkickers: | Brodie Kemp 2.0, Elijah Hollands 2.0, Francis Evans 1.2, Sam Walsh 1.0, Jagga Smith 1.0, Ashton Moir 1.0, Oliver Hollands 1.0, Will Hayward 1.0, Patrick Cripps 1.0, Talor Byrne 1.0, Campbell Chesser 1.0, Harry McKay 0.2, Zac Williams 0.1, Liam Reidy 0.1, Marc Pittonet 0.1, Rushed 0.1. |
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| Reports: | Nil. |
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| Umpires: | 16 - Brendan Hosking 20 - Jamie Broadbent 21 - Simon Meredith 37 - Martin Rodger. |
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| Injuries: | F. Evans (corkie). |
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Blues finish pre-season with IKON Park win
By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media
Carlton has put a full stop on its pre-season with a 15-point win over Geelong. Under IKON Park lights, the Blues led from the outset, withstanding a challenge from the Cats in the middle two quarters to come away with a 13.8 (86) to 11.5 (71) triumph. Jagga Smith starred with 37 disposals and a goal, while the rest of Carlton’s midfield brigade all got busy on a night where the Blues had a spread of contributors once again. That was the case forward of centre as well, with Brodie Kemp and Elijah Hollands (two goals each) the only multiple goal kickers from a spread of 11 goal kickers. It was Will Hayward who kicked things off with an opportunistic goal off the ground, playing in front of Carlton fans for the first time. The first quarter was well and truly played on Carlton’s terms, and the Blues’ quarter-time lead could’ve been greater if not for some strong defending on the Cats’ behalf. Francis Evans sported his new eyewear and showed that the goggles don’t do nothing, launching from 55 for a goal, while Jagga Smith hit the scoreboard to big cheers from the Carlton faithful.
After signing with the Blues on Monday, Wade Derksen had a great start, contributing nine disposals in the first term alone (18 disposals, nine marks for the game). The second quarter was a pre-season slog, with the Blues failing to trouble the goals, taking a seven-point lead into the main break after a Jack Martin major. The highlight of the term came when father-son Blue Harry Dean launched over a pack to take a strong intercept grab, showing he could more than hold his own against senior opposition. Elijah Hollands continued his brilliant personal week with a two-goal third quarter, including from a classy snap to open the term. A Patrick Dangerfield goal levelled the scores, but the Blues put the foot down from there, spearheaded by a recently re-signed Sam Walsh with 11 disposals for the term, and 29 for the game. It was that man who provided the individual moment of the match, when Walsh surged out of the middle, took two bounces and goaled from beyond 50. Evans didn’t return late in the game after receiving a cork in the fourth term. The Blues’ willingness to share the Sherrin was evident, recording 100 more disposals than the Cats yet also comfortably winning the tackle count (+26). Campbell Chesser kicked his first goal in Navy Blue to round out a good night for the Blues, continuing their preparations for the season opener in eight days. Carlton will head to Sydney to kick off Opening Round next Thursday at the SCG.
While only pre-season, Carlton will be satisfied with their performance tonight, highlighted by Jagga Smith. The young gun finished with 37 disposals, 15 contested possessions, five clearances, three score assists and a goal. Despite the focus on transition and ball movement in the off season for Carlton, their contested game still seems to be in good order. The Blues have led in this area all match and currently enjoy an advantage of 14, which includes an advantage of 15 in post-clearance contested possession. Carlton continues to impress with its ability to score from the defensive half. The Blues have outscored Geelong 8.0.48 to 3.1.19 from defensive half chains.
Team
| B: | 35 Harry Dean | 33 Lewis Young | 42 Adam Saad |
| HB: | 6 Zac Williams | 47 Wade Derksen | 20 Elijah Hollands |
| C: | 4 Ollie Hollands | 29 George Hewett | 14 Ollie Florent |
| HF: | 19 Will Hayward | 43 Ashton Moir | 14 Ben Ainsworth |
| F: | 17 Brodie Kemp | 10 Harry McKay | 7 Jagga Smith |
| Ruck: | 27 Marc Pittonet | 9 Patrick Cripps | 18 Sam Walsh |
| Interchange: | 11 Mitch McGovern | 31 Campbell Chesser | 37 Jordan Boyd |
| 36 Cooper Lord | 8 Lachie Fogarty | 44 Francis Evans | |
| 39 Talor Byrne | 25 Liam Reidy | ||
| Emergencies: | 21 Lucas Camporeale | 16 Ben Camporeale | 45 Flynn Young |
| 40 Hudson O'Keeffe | |||
| Coach: | Michael Voss | ||
