AAMI Practice Match Review: Carlton vs Geelong — SuperCoach 2026 Takeaways

You don't need the stat sheet to know Jagga Smith is the real thing. You just had to watch him move.

Carlton beat Geelong 13.8 (86) to 11.5 (71) at Princes Park, and yeah, 37 disposals on return from an ACL is absurd — but the number doesn't capture what he looked like doing it. Smooth. Confident. Like a bloke who doesn't know he's supposed to be rusty. Post-Curnow, post-De Koning, post-Silvagni — and somehow the Blues already look like they've moved on.

The Match in 60 Seconds

Carlton dominated early, with Smith, Walsh (29 touches), and Cripps (29) controlling the midfield. Nine players yet to play an AFL game for the club took the field as the post-trade Blues found their identity.

Geelong rallied mid-game but couldn't sustain it. They were missing Cameron (quad), Smith (calf), and Miers (thumb), while Dangerfield only played the second half. Tanner Bruhn shone in his first appearance since being stood down over charges that were later dropped — prolific off half-back with genuine run.

Shannon Neale caused a scare with a knee clash, but the club confirmed it was just a shin knock. Expected fit for Round 1.

Three Players to Watch for Round 1

1. Jagga Smith (MID/FWD) — Carlton

The numbers: 37 disposals, 1 goal. Game-high.

Thirty-seven touches in your first competitive game after an ACL tear is ridiculous. Smith was described as "the link player between midfield and forward line" — exactly the role that generates elite SuperCoach scores. Think Caleb Daniel, think Josh Dunkley in that hybrid role.

At whatever his 2026 price is (deflated from missing all of 2025), Smith is a genuine value play. The ceiling is obvious — if he can stay fit, he's a 90+ averaging MID/FWD in the making.

Verdict: Value pick of the pre-season. ACL-deflated price + elite role = profit.

2. Tanner Bruhn (DEF) — Geelong

The numbers: Prolific off half-back, first game since being stood down.

Bruhn's story off the field is well documented, but on the field, he looked like a player desperate to make up for lost time. His running ability off half-back was a feature, and if Geelong lock him into that role, he provides genuine rebound value.

The risk is emotional — will Geelong manage his workload early? Will the off-field situation affect his consistency? On talent alone, he's a mid-price DEF with top-8 upside.

Verdict: High upside, unique risk profile. Worth the gamble at his depressed price.

3. Elijah Hollands (FWD) — Carlton

The numbers: 2 goals. Given a lifeline after being delisted.

Hollands was a former first-round pick who lost his way at Gold Coast before being delisted and picked up by Carlton. Two goals in the practice match showed the talent is still there — and Carlton's forward line has plenty of vacancies after losing Curnow.

At basement price, Hollands is a low-risk cash cow if he earns regular games. Carlton's forward rebuild gives him the opportunity; he just needs to take it.

Verdict: Speculative cash cow. The talent is real — the question is whether Carlton give him consistent games.

Other SuperCoach Notes

• Sam Walsh (MID): 29 disposals. Recently re-signed and looked motivated. Premium MID who's easy to overlook.
• Patrick Cripps (MID): 29 disposals. The captain leads from the front as always.
• Wade Derksen (Carlton): Impressed down back as a pre-season signing. Watch for Round 1 selection.
• Max Holmes (Geelong): 25 disposals, 1 goal. Reliable MID output.
• Lawson Humphries (Geelong, MID): 24 disposals. The young Cat continues to develop — highest disposal count among Geelong's emerging midfielders in this hit-out and a player worth adding to your SuperCoach watchlist.
• Jacob Weitering (Carlton): Missed with ribs. Hopes to be fit for the Opening Round blockbuster against Sydney.

Injury Watch

| Player | Club | Issue | R1 Impact | |--------|------|-------|-----------| | Shannon Neale | Geelong | Shin knock | Expected fit | | Jeremy Cameron | Geelong | Quad | Expected fit for R1 vs Gold Coast | | Bailey Smith | Geelong | Calf | Monitor | | Jacob Weitering | Carlton | Ribs | Hopes to play R1 vs Sydney |

The Bottom Line

I've watched enough ACL comebacks to know which ones feel tentative and which ones feel like the player never left. Smith never left. Carlton's rebuild has a heartbeat — and if this kid stays on the park, he's going to make a lot of SuperCoach coaches look very smart.

Bruhn's worth watching too. The eye test says he's hungry. Trust that.

-DK

The AAMI Community Series wraps up the 2026 pre-season. Round 1 kicks off Thursday, March 5. For the full pre-season landscape, check our complete AAMI Series wrap and the Rookie Power Rankings Traffic Light Guide.