After a shaky start to the season in the Ansett Cup, Malcolm Blight’s charges have impressed in recent weeks and will go into the first game of the premiership full of confidence.
The Saints showed considerable composure surging from four goals down at half-time and 17 behind just after the final break to win 13.15 (93) to 12.13 (85).
Peter Everitt was inspirational for the Saints who booted four goals in the final six minutes.
It appeared Carlton was destined to win the match when youngster Trent Sporn snapped truly to give the Blues a 15-point buffer at the 15 minute-mark of the final term.
However, Everitt took a strong mark which set up a 50 metre running goal by recruit Brett Voss, and followed with an excellent ruck tap to set up Ben Walton for another goal a minute later.
Everitt then put the Saints in front with a 55m goal after receiving a free kick for a ruck infringement.
Blight warned not to read too much into today's result.
"It's just a practice game, you could play this game with eight different players next week and it's a different game," Blight said.
"(Today) was more about team stuff, and looking at individual's form, if anything."
Blight praised Everitt's second half, which was the catalyst to the Saints fightback.
"That's Peter's first real hit-out for the year, so it was good to see him get a few touches and get his hands on the footy," he said.
In his return from injury, dual Brownlow medallist Robert Harvey played just over three quarters before being benched by the dual premiership coach.
The talented midfielder showed glimpses of his best, thrilling the Bendigo crowd with two classy goals.
"It was good to get through unscathed, and I'll obviously be better for the run, but it's good just to get through it," Harvey said.
