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
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