AFTER a horror run with injury last season, Carlton's list is back on track in terms of fitness as it approaches the 2023 season. 

The Blues limped to round 10 in late October, with several players managing injuries, ultimately limiting player availability, and particularly stretching the side's attack. 

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Now with some off-season surgeries and recovery time in the bank, the likes of Mia Austin, Phoebe McWilliams, Mua Laloifi, Lily Goss and Keeley Skepper are ready to go, training at full capacity. 

This, no doubt, is a relief for new head coach Mathew Buck, now able to build a forward system around the reliable contested marks of McWilliams and Austin. 

Sarah Sansonetti tackles Phoebe McWilliams during Carlton's clash against Collingwood in round one, 2022 S7. Picture: AFL Photos

Added to this, new recruit Harriet Cordner arrived at the club still working back from an ACL tear suffered in round three of season six.  

The key defender, who joined the Blues via trade earlier this year, had a minor delay in her comeback, but is almost back to full training with aims to bolster the side's defensive stocks come September. 

Fellow defender Paige Trudgeon was restricted to running drills as she nurses a left knee concern. 

Paige Trudgeon is tackled by Elisabeth Georgostathis during Carlton's clash against the Western Bulldogs in round 10, S7, 2022. Picture: Getty Images

Throughout pre-season training, the club is focused on encouraging versatility in its playing list. So while Buck has discussed the value of Darcy Vescio in attack and captain Kerryn Peterson in defence, the ability of those players to understand more than one role is important to the coaching group. 

A host of players are becoming comfortable in the rotation between the midfield and the wing, including Amelia Velardo, Keeley Sherar and fresh draftees Marianna Anthony and Maddy Hendrie. Meanwhile, young duo Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay will continue to lead the on-ball brigade.