Geelong has recorded a 17-point victory against Carlton in their Match Simulation contest at Ikon Park on Thursday.

The Cats survived the sweltering conditions with temperatures peaking at 38-degrees to run out 10.13 (73) to 8.8 (56) winners.

With only 23 days remaining until Geelong’s opening round clash with St Kilda, there were many positives to take forward into the season ahead.

One of those was the young talent through the middle of the ground with Tanner Bruhn, Jhye Clark and Jack Bowes all spending significant time onball alongside regulars Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Atkins.

That balance of younger players complementing the more experienced players is likely to be something Geelong supporters can expect to see more of this year.

“We need our bulls in there as we need to win stoppages, but a lot of those guys are underrated runners on the outside as well as being good stoppage players,” assistant coach James Rahilly told media post-game.

“So, that’ll be the key and what we probably go with in round one. Just that balance inside and we think we’ve got that with those young guys coming through.”

Max Holmes was another young Cat to impress, rotating through the midfield in the second half after starting the game alongside veteran teammate Mitch Duncan across half back.

“He has got that speed, and everyone is looking for that speed off half back, you want that overlap. He can turn a play or short kick into a 100-metre play with his speed, with that overlap and long kick.

“He is probably that back half player and he has probably played a bit of wing and onball. We like to get the ball in his hands around that half back line.”

Further afield Ollie Dempsey produced an eye-catching display which included a spectacular mark and snap on goal in the second term.

Of Geelong’s senior contingent, Dangerfield and Tom Hawkins moved well around the ground and looked dangerous forward of the ball. Whilst Gryan Miers and Jeremy Cameron picked up where they left finding plenty of the ball and impacting the scoreboard.

A second period of four quarters followed this contest with the Blues prevailing 9.7 (61) to 8.6 (54).

Geelong will continue its preparation for the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership with a preseason clash against Essendon at GMHBA Stadium on Friday 1 March.

CARLTON   2.5    4.5    6.8     8.8 (56)
GEELONG   5.1   7.4    8.5     10.13 (73)

GOALS
Carlton: Moir 2, McKay 2, Motlop, Cripps, O.Hollands, Curnow
Geelong: Hawkins 2, Miers 2, O.Henry 2, Neale, Cameron, Dempsey, Dangerfield