Having attracted headlines over the pre-season, Dustin Martin was a stand-out at Punt Road, whether that be with his ball use or strength while logging time in four of the six 15-minute periods at half-forward.

He left the field after a knock to the head for precautionary reasons but is expected to line up in Friday's NAB Challenge opener against Fremantle in Mandurah.

Yarran, the former Blue, has had his training restricted because of a calf problem, and is likely to be eased through the pre-season competition.

Brett Deledio, arguably the Tigers' most important player, joined Yarran on the bike, with the Tigers easing the veteran half-forward through another campaign.

Anthony Miles and Liam McBean also impressed, Troy Chaplin, typically a defender, was sent forward, while Jack Riewoldt and Kamdyn McIntosh were involved in a scuffle, highlighting the intensity in which the match was played.

All-Australian defender Alex Rance and Reece Conca, the latter restricted to three senior matches last season, were also in fine form, while draftee Daniel Rioli found his groove as the game unfolded.

Essendon ramped up pre-season cup preparations with an intraclub clash at their Tullamarine base.

Before the opening bounce, coach John Worsfold said top-up recruit Ryan Crowley, for so long a tagger in his days with Fremantle, would spend more time up forward.

"Crowls has developed a big reputation as a tagger, but he was recruited as a midfielder," Worsfold said.

"He can definitely worry teams when forward."

Worsfold was true to his word, with Crowley enjoying his stint up forward and kicking a goal after a strong mark.

Former Cat James Kelly was used across half-back, and his composure in tight contests will be a boost for a club missing a dozen players because of an anti-doping suspension.

Draftee Darcy Parish, considered the best midfielder by the Bombers in last year's national draft, was strong in the contest, while David Zaharakis found plenty of the ball.

Collingwood enjoyed a morning of match simulation, with recruit Adam Treloar and Ben Reid, the latter desperate for an injury-free season, impressing.

However, forward Jamie Elliott, dealing with a back complaint, was allowed to only complete running drills.

North Melbourne also took to the field on Friday, with Daniel Wells kicking three goals in the first term, and Lachie Hansen involved in a heavy knock - although he quickly recovered. Former Hawk Jed Anderson provided plenty of run - the reason the Roos were so keen on him.

St Kilda also took to the field ahead of next week's NAB opener against the Kangaroos.

The Western Bulldogs will hold an intraclub on Saturday morning at the Whitten Oval. Tom Liberatore, having trained strongly over summer, makes his return from a knee reconstruction, while former Hawk Matt Suckling will line up alongside him in the "blue" team.

Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett said on Friday his shoulder was feeling "nice and strong" and he hoped to take part in the Suns' intra-club match on Saturday.

NAB Challenge: Round 1:

February 18: Carlton v Hawthorn, Launceston, 7.10pm

February 19: Fremantle v Richmond, Mandurah, 4.10pm (WST)

February 20: St Kilda v North Melbourne, Wangaratta, 2.05pm

February 20: Sydney v Port Adelaide, Blacktown, 4.40pm

February 21: Adelaide v West Coast, Unley Oval, 1.35pm (CDT)

February 21: Brisbane v Gold Coast, Moreton Bay,  3.40pm

February 25: GWS v Western Bulldogs, Manuka Oval,  7.10pm

February 26: Geelong v Collingwood, Simonds Stadium, 7.10pm

February 27: Port Adelaide v Melbourne,  Playford Alive Oval, 1.35pm (CDT)