The key talking points from Brisbane versus Carlton

Brisbane hosted Carlton in the second unofficial pre-season match sim, with the Blues running out victorious on a warm afternoon at Brighton Homes Arena.

Coming back from behind, the fresh Blue mob took the second half by storm, charging back to win by 15 points!

With a glut of new faces, young talents and esteemed stars participating in a four-quarter hit out, the club-versus-club display revealed a wide array of talking points ahead of the year to come.

From position changes to standout performers, here is what stood out to us.

Keidean Coleman is back!

After just one game in two years, Brisbane's luckless star Kiddy Coleman is back and in full health.

Typically a running back flanker, Coleman has been shifted up the ground, coming off the wing and within the front half to boot a first and set up another within the first term alone.

With his return to health, the Brisbane Lions are, somehow, a better side.

Alongside Coleman, veteran forward Lincoln McCarthy also made his return to football, progressing cleanly through his first appearance since Round 8, 2024.

Playing in a defensive role, McCarthy racked up plenty of touch in a strong return.

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. Ashton Moir played higher up the ground, with Talor Byrne coming alive late on.

Despite the small sample size, the change looked far more dynamic than it has in recent years - although 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.

Brisbane's talent runs deep

With Coleman and McCarthy's return, the Lions fielded 11 players that weren't a part of their Grand Final winning team in 2025.

And all 11 of those players proved worthy of a spot within the senior side.

Young Will McLachlan was an absolute standout of the fresher faces, playing incredibly well bar a few wayward set shots.

Sixth overall pick Dan Annable had some moments in midfield, as did Sam Marshall and recruit Cody Curtin.

Plenty of options for Chris Fagan.

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.

Ollie 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.

The Ashcroft's are scary good

Both Will and Levi are far from their peak, yet they already look two of the Lions' most dangerous.

Without Cam Rayner and Hugh McCluggage, Will Ashcroft led the midfield core, looking the fittest and best of the Lions' lot.

Levi pushed forward for multiple goals and looks to have grown in confidence significantly.

Look out for the brothers in 2026.

Thursday will host two practice matches across the day, with the Western Bulldogs taking on Sydney at 2pm AEST, followed by Gold Coast versus St Kilda at 6:45pm AEST.