Carlton have seen off a late challenge from Collingwood to defeat the Pies by seven points in their AFL clash in Bendigo.

In front of a sellout crowd of 9,542 fans on Sunday, the Blues looked set for a blowout victory when they led by 33 points halfway through the first term, but a resurgent Collingwood made them work hard for their 1.9.8 (71) to 1.7.13 (64) win.

However, both teams left the match with injury concerns over their ruckmen.

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The Pies’ Brodie Grundy was subbed out with a hip issue at halftime and the Blues’ Robbie Warnock copped a knock to a shoulder early in the third quarter.

He was briefly attended to by club doctors and took no further part in the match.

Magpie Mason Cox handballs as Chris Judd tries to spoil. Photo: Getty

The clash was the first hitout of the NAB Challenge for some star players from both sides.

For the Blues, Chris Judd had an immediate impact and worked hard all day for his 23 disposals, with 10 clearances.

Andrew Carrazzo was also impressive with 25 touches.

Bryce Gibbs skippered the side in Marc Murphy’s absence, but he played only one half before being subbed out.

For Collingwood, Scott Pendlebury (16 possessions) showed flashes of his trademark class, Dane Swan (12) was quiet early but got better as the game went on, and Travis Cloke largely struggled to get into the game, finishing with one goal.

The Blues’ Andrejs Everitt started with a bang with three goals, two regulation and one nine-pointer, in the first quarter.

He roamed further afield after that, but he and Liam Jones combined well in a first half, when tall target Levi Casboult had little influence.

The Pies fought back well late in the first term, with Jarryd Blair bagging two goals in his first game of the pre-season series, but the Blues were able to keep them at arm’s length despite their best efforts.

Collingwood got to within two points late in the third quarter, but could never get their noses in front as the Blues hung on for the win.

Carlton’s Chris Yarran was at his eye-catching best off half-back with 21 disposals, while Levi Greenwood was the Pies’ leading possession winner with 17.

Meanwhile, Sydney held off a fast finishing Fremantle to record their first NAB Challenge win of the campaign at Sydney’s Drummoyne Oval on Sunday.

Swan Luke Parker looks upfield during the NAB Challenge match against Fremantle. Photo: Getty

The Swans, who lost to Brisbane last week, looked to be coasting when they went 39 points up early in the final quarter.

Freo, who started their campaign with a win over Melbourne last week, kicked three goals and a super goal in fading light and increasingly heavy rain, but the Swans hung on to post a 1.7.14 (65) to 1.6.11 (56) victory.

A sellout crowd of 4,343 at the picturesque suburban ground witnessed a keen contest in windy conditions.

Kicking with the breeze behind them Sydney slammed on three goals in as many minutes to Harry Cunningham, Dan Hannebery and Craig Bird to lead 24-3 at the first break.

With Nat Fyfe prominent Freo closed to within seven points in the second quarter but Lance Franklin’s only goal of the game swelled Sydney’s advantage to 13 by halftime.

Small forward Michael Walters was a good performer for the visitors while Alex Silvagni did well defensively.

– AAP