Matera missed the final 12 weeks of 2013 with an ankle injury sustained against Geelong in round 10, but has now fully recovered.
He continued a strong pre-season and was a shining light in the modified hit-out at Metricon Stadium that took place over two 15-minute halves.
The clever 21-year-old played predominantly on-ball and got a heap of touches while some of his bigger name teammates watched from the boundary line.
While it was a low-key hit-out – with assistant coaches even taking part – Matera's class shone.
Captain Gary Ablett, full-back Rory Thompson and midfielder Harley Bennell (tight calf) were among those rested, alongside injured vice-captain Dion Prestia (calf).
Ablett ran strongly before and after the match, taking part in a number of midfield drills and an extended session of goalkicking practice for a majority of the team.
Hulking forward Charlie Dixon was another to impress under match conditions, taking a number of strong marks against third-year defender Henry Schade.
Jaeger O'Meara and Jarrod Harbrow were also full of life and look likely to build on superb 2013 seasons.
Rookie Jarred Ellis limped off midway through the session with a strained hamstring.
Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
