Carlton have prevailed in a hard-fought practice match against St Kilda at Ikon Park on Thursday morning.

Towering forward performances from Tim Membrey and Max King had helped St Kilda overturn an early 27-point deficit to lead at half-time, while Josh Battle was arguably his side's best player after switching into a lockdown defensive role this summer.

The 23-year-old marked Charlie Curnow throughout the morning and kept the Carlton gun goalless in an early tick for his pre-season role change, with Bradley Hill and Jack Sinclair also providing some impressive run and drive across half-back for the Saints.

Jade Gresham and Ben Paton completed successful comebacks after both had sustained long-term injuries last season, while Jack Higgins kicked two, but it was the Blues who had more depth to sneak home to victory with an improved second-half performance.

YOUNG GUNS
Carlton youngster Corey Durdin produced a lively display in attack, staking his claim to play round one with an impressive performance that featured plenty of forward pressure.

Fellow round one smoky Jordan Boyd played across half-back for the Blues, providing some nice drive with his long kicking. Developing ruckman Alex Mirkov only featured after half-time, but jumped well. 

Cooper Sharman spent most of his time forward for St Kilda, but did a few nice things when pushed into the ruck. Rookie hopeful Jack Hayes only played the second half and rotated between the ruck and the forward line.

SWITCHING POSITIONS
St Kilda sprung a few changes, with Josh Battle's move into the backline providing the most promise. He blanketed Charlie Curnow throughout the morning and took a number of intercept marks to finish as one of the game's most impressive players. 

Bradley Hill's move to half-back also gave the Saints an injection of run and class, while Mason Wood spent small periods playing on a wing.

CARLTON     5.3    5.8    8.12    9.13 (67)
ST KILDA      2.1    6.8     6.9      8.12 (60)

GOALS
Carlton: Silvagni 2, Cerra 2, Owies 2, Kennedy, Durdin, Kemp
St Kilda: Higgins 2, Membrey, Campbell, Wood, Butler, King, Steele