Carlton edge Melbourne in AFL pre-season

Michael Voss has completed an undefeated first AFL pre-season as Carlton coach with the Blues holding off fast-finishing reigning premiers Melbourne by five points.

Captain Patrick Cripps was in ominous touch after a difficult last two seasons, kicking four goals and gathering 31 possessions in the community series hit-out at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

Cripps looks like he could recapture his All-Australian best from 2018 and 2019, as he led a dominant Blues midfield to run out winners, 15.8 (98) to 14.9 (93).

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Fremantle recruit Adam Cerra and Sydney signing George Hewett have fitted in seamlessly after their off-season moves to Ikon Park, while Matt Kennedy could finally be ready to nail down a best-22 spot after starring with 37 possessions.

Even without current best-and-fairest winner Sam Walsh, the Blues upstaged Melbourne's premiership on-ball brigade of Clayton Oliver and Christan Petracca.

"It's been a really strong pre-season, the players have applied themselves and had an all-in attitude and given us the ability to put in a different game model in place," Voss said.

"The guys have showed some really good early signs and to play against some very good opposition is the test."

Carlton could be boosted even further ahead of the regular season with former co-captain Sam Docherty on track to make an inspirational comeback from testicular cancer after starring with 38 disposals in the Blues' VFL match.

The Blues led by as much as 44 points early in the third quarter before Melbourne stepped up and cut the deficit with eight goals in the second half.

Harry McKay was quiet with just one goal, but the Coleman medallist got through the match unscathed to ease