Carlton’s Jesse Motlop might be ready to step up and answer the Blues’ desperate need for small forwards to sit under the feet of Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow, after he kicked three goals in Blues’ match simulation against St Kilda on Saturday.
The Blues made the big decision in the off-season to trade Matt Owies, given their salary cap position and surplus of contracted small forwards, but Motlop played just the final seven games in 2024 after suffering hamstring injuries throughout the year.
He also created a goal for Lucas Camporeale in the final quarter to give the new recruit, and son of club great Scott Camporeale, a boost in confidence. It was a good sign for the Blues after Corey Durdin appeared to hurt his ankle in the third quarter.
Blue Jesse Motlop (right) is taken high in a tackle.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Patrick Cripps and Zac Williams played the first half before being rested while Sam Walsh, Jack Silvagni, Alex Cincotta, Brodie Kemp and Curnow did not play. Nic Newman has a long-term injury.
Motlop’s performance was the biggest bright spot for the Blues who were overwhelmed after quarter-time when the Saints took control around the ball with Jack Macrae promising to be a handy addition. The Saints were impressive in the 11-point win as they were missing Max King, Rowan Marshall, Hunter Clark, Dougal Howard, Liam Henry, Jack Sinclair, Mattaes Phillipou and Mason Wood.
St Kilda’s speed on the rebound troubled the Blues with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera an exceptional talent.
Moving like Jagga
Jagga Smith did not disappoint with his first touch as he pirouetted out of a tackle before kicking to confirm the expectations surrounding him this pre-season. He did not win an enormous amount of the ball, but he showed he was clean, had time and, most importantly, put teammates into space. A corkie kept him out of the final quarter. Lucas Camporeale had a run on the wing without getting much opportunity while Harry Lemmey looked the part but had little impact after coming on in the second half. Tobie Travaglia came on for the final quarter with the Saints and displayed his running power immediately kicking a long goal from the boundary in the final term.
Jagga Smith (left) and Harry McKay fly high for a mark.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Weitering blanketed
Jacob Weitering can expect a hard time in 2025 if the tactics the Saints employed become standard. Mitch Owens and Anthony Caminiti both spent as much time as possible distracting the key defender, keeping him out of marking contests and spoiling him when he was in position to mark. The Blues lack of height in defence already leaves them vulnerable and opponents will be determined to restrict Weitering to put more pressure on Lewis Young and Mitch McGovern.
First game smokeys
Liam O’Connell and Hugh Boxshall both made good cases to be considered for selection in the first half. Boxshall was given the huge task of playing on dual Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps at stoppages, and he acquitted himself well. He also kicked a goal, which was just reward for his hard work inside. Irish recruit O’Connell spent last season learning the game, but his teachers can be pleased with how he started his season. He intercepted a high ball to create the Saints’ first goal then showed his courage attacking a loose ball with Jaxon Binns bearing down. He finished with two goals himself, showing great promise. Angus Hastie also made strong claims to play in defence, going back with the flight to mark several times.
Ruck position at the Saints up for grabs
Harry Boyd’s football career has been a slow burn as he toiled away with Norwood as one of the SANFL’s best big men. But since he joined the Saints his trajectory has accelerated, and he is in contention to debut in Adelaide in round one. Rowan Marshall is an automatic choice as No.1 ruckman but with an injury cloud over him and the Saints toying with playing two ruckmen even if he is fit, Boyd has done his chances no harm. Max Heath put in a reasonable performance too but is just behind Boyd at this stage.
