The result

In windy conditions, under dimly lit lights at Carlton’s Headquarters, Ikon Park, Brendon Bolton’s team opened a four-goal lead by the opening break, making the most of a sizeable wind advantage early. St Kilda worked its back into the game across the middle two quarters, but every time they got within a couple of kicks, the Blues kicked away again. Both sides traded two goals each in the final quarter, but by the final siren, it was a four-goal win to Carlton – the same margin at quarter-time.

The returns

After managing only two appearances in 2017 due to lingering groin issues, tough inside midfielder David Armitage produced a performance that suggests he will play an important role inside the Saints’ engine room this season. The 29-year-old rolled his sleeves up and got his hands dirty at Princes Park, finishing with 24 possessions (14 contested) and eight clearances. Young key forward Paddy McCartin also got his year off to a positive start on Wednesday, as he searches for the good fortune that has eluded him so far in his career. McCartin hauled in a handful of eye-catching grabs and had four shots at goal, finishing with two majors, one behind and one out on the full. With Josh Bruce playing in the early game and Nick Riewoldt in the early stages of retirement, McCartin combined well with Tim Membrey inside 50. 

The new faces

Much of the interest in St Kilda’s opening pre-season fixture centred around their two top-10 picks from last November’s NAB AFL Draft – Hunter Clark (pick No. 7) and Nick Coffield No. 8). And they didn’t disappoint at Ikon Park. Former Northern Knights skipper Coffield made a fast start, collecting five disposals before any other Saint. Clark displayed plenty of the composure and class that cemented his status as one of the premier midfielders in last year’s draft pool, booting two polished goals, as well as dishing off another to Jake Carlisle in the last quarter. By the final siren, Coffield wrapped his hands tighter around a Round 1 berth, finishing with 20 disposals, five rebound 50s and four inside 50s in an impressive performance.

The shining lights

While Armitage’s form will leave Saints fans excited, as will the impressive performances by Clark and Coffield, three-time Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven also looked sharp in his first hit-out of 2018. Steven finished with 24 disposals, 14 contested possessions and seven clearances – five from the centre square. Shane Savage and Jimmy Webster provided plenty of drive off half-back. Luke Dunstan was clean at the coal face, where Jade Gresham gradually worked his way into the game and made an impact as the game wore on. Tim Membrey looked dangerous at times and combined with McCartin for four goals. Small forward Jack Lonie was lively in the attacking half of the ground, standing out with his attack on the ball and neat disposal.