Historical rivals Carlton and Collingwood treated their fans to a quality contest in their unofficial pre-season match at Ikon Park on Friday.
In a game that was played in warm and windy summer conditions, Carlton - unlike like they did in Round 23 - held off Collingwood in the last quarter to prevail, this time by a score of 84-74.
With the result so close, each side of fans would have been happy with how their club performed with both outfits looking like teams that will be hard to beat heading into 2023.
Like most pre-season matches, plenty of the focus surrounded new recruits and the likes of Blake Acres, Dan McStay, Tom Mitchell, Billy Frampton and Bobby Hill all had their moments to prove they can make an early impact for their sides.
Jamie Elliott gets up for a huge grab! pic.twitter.com/bNkGSqlL6v
— AFL (@AFL) February 24, 2023
For Carlton, they again looked dominant around stoppage and with such a powerful forward line, proved incredibly hard to stop when their entries were deep and direct.
For Collingwood, they proved that they'll be willing to lose to win again in 2023 as they used the ball in quick transition with dare to score freely in quick bursts.
But much like last season, those risks didn't always pay off, with Carlton scoring off turnovers in dangerous positions on multiple occasions.
Perhaps most importantly, it looks like both sides escaped any notable injuries. Check out the key talking points for both teams below.
Carlton
Young Blues look big improvers
After coming so close to playing finals in 2022, Carlton look like they've had some internal growth from within heading into 2023.
Some of that natural improvement looks like it'll come from some young guns, with Adam Cerra and Tom De Koning performing brilliantly on Friday.
We've already seen what Cerra can do at the top level, but the on-baller looked even more assured and classier than he has previously.
As for De Koning, he looked perhaps the game's best player in the first term with some eye-catching highlights.
The ruck/forward has one of the highest ceilings in the league and if Friday's performance is anything to go by, he could make some serious strides in reaching it this season.
Additions help resolve key weakness
In Carlton's two losses to Collingwood in 2023, their key issue was often the wings with Steele Sidebottom and Josh Daicos having big says in both of those results.
The addition of Blake Acres was earmarked to plug that hole and from Friday's game, it looks like he'll do just that.
The experienced outside player is a walk up starter and looks to be a key contributor right away.
On the other wing, youngster Ollie Hollands looks like he can impact early on. If he grows into the player Carlton hopes, one of their biggest flaws may have been resolved.
Buy Jesse Motlop stock
After showing flashes last season, Jesse Motlop looks like he's primed for a breakout 2023.
One of the key questions surrounding Carlton was their lack of a star small forward, and while Motlop might not be there yet, he looks a player that can develop into one.
Motlop possesses all the traits you want from a small inside 50 and you could see the fear he put into Collingwood defenders on multiple occasions on Friday. He will be a fun watch for Carlton fans.
Ollie Hollands has shown some good signs early on as he slots his first.
— AFL (@AFL) February 24, 2023
Is the $280k midfielder in your @AFLFantasy considerations? pic.twitter.com/2FVDSl1uzJ
Collingwood
McStay looks worth every cent
Collingwood were questioned in the off-season for their free agent recruitment of Dan McStay, but going off his first game, the key forward looks like he'll be a valuable addition.
Having often played a high-decoy role at Brisbane with Joe Daniher and Eric Hipwood deep, McStay proved he can also compete well as a number one forward.
Without Brody Mihocek, McStay was the man inside 50 for the Magpies and he presented well all day to kick three goals while unselfishly looking to find teammates on other occasions.
It wasn't just his scoreboard impact though, with the tall forward creating contests and bringing balls to ground.
It may even get easier for him come the season proper with Mihocek by his side.
All four of Collingwood's recruits look best 22
McStay was the standout, but Collingwood’s other recruits in Tom Mitchell, Billy Frampton and Bobby Hill all had their moments.
Given the quartet all fill important roles that the Pies looked to lack in 2022, they all look almost certain to play come Round 1.
Mitchell's inside presence allowed Collingwood to rotate players lie Patrick Lipinski, Jordan De Goey and Taylor Adams forward, while Frampton - who looked very capable in the air - allowed Jeremy Howe to play his preferred peel off role.
Up forward, Hill was lively, kicking a goal and looking dangerous whenever he was near it and with Jack Ginnivan, out, you can pencil his name in McRae's best side.
Jordan De Goey is primed for a big season
After having multiple interrupted preseasons in the past, Jordan De Goey looks ready to explode in 2023.
We've said this before, but the dynamic midfielder looks to have brought his stunning 2022 finals form into 2023.
The star was Collingwood's main man in transition and looked to break the game open whenever he had the footy either in the centre or inside 50.
Perhaps this is the year he reaches his potential.
FINAL SCORE
Carlton: 5.1, 7.5, 11.9, 12.12. (84) Collingwood: 2.1, 8.1, 9.3, 11.8. (74)
GOALS
Carlton: McKay 3, De Koning, Hewett, Acres, C. Curnow, Hollands, Kennedy, Honey, O'Brien, Cripps Collingwood: McStay. 3, Adams 2, McCreery, Cameron, De Goy, Howe, Hill
BEST
Carlton: Saad, McKay, Cerra, De Koning, Hewett Collingwood: De Goey, McStay, Pendlebury, Howe, Crisp