Star recruit Adam Cerra has made an immediate impression at Carlton, racking up possessions and kicking two goals in their seven-point AFL win over St Kilda.
The Blues gave up their No.6 draft pick late last year to recruit the onballer from Fremantle, adding more depth to their midfield.
Cerra was best afield at Ikon Park on Thursday as the Blues squandered their early lead, then steadied for a 9.13 (67) to 8.12 (60) victory.
It was also Michael Voss's first game as senior coach of Carlton.
The Blues looked in full control with five goals to two in the first term, but the Saints immediately rallied and led by a goal at half time.
Carlton were only a point ahead at 20 minutes in the last term when rookie-listed small forward Matthew Owies laid a great tackle on Jack Sinclair and was awarded a free for holding the ball.
A Saints player then fell foul of the AFL's crackdown on player dissent, giving away a 50m penalty that gifted Owies the match-sealing goal.
Cerra combined well with captain Patrick Cripps and fellow midfield recruit George Hewitt, while Zac Fisher also was lively.
Saints defender Josh Battle was solid on Blues star Charlie Curnow, who was kept goalless, and Jack Higgins kicked two goals.
