CARLTON'S young players have returned in better condition than they were in this time last year, gun midfielder Patrick Cripps says.

The Blues' first-to-fourth-year players returned to training last week, earlier than the rest of the competition.

However, they will receive an extra week off during the Christmas break, as per AFLPA rules.

"Everyone looks good, which is a good indication this time of pre-season. I think we're fitter than we were last year at this time, so I'm looking forward to a big pre-season from a lot of the young guys," Cripps told carltonfc.com.au on Tuesday.

He said working on his running was a priority for this preparation. After becoming the second-youngest winner of Carlton's best and fairest in 2015 in just his second season, the clearance beast finished third this year.

"Especially in your first five years, everyone used to say that you're going to keep getting better physically," he said.

"I used the off-season to get my body right. I had a few niggles but they're all good now.

"I'll work on my fitness and my speed – they're two things that I'll definitely work on this pre-season."

Cripps, 21, went overseas to Hong Kong and Bali during his time off, while the Blues added a number of fresh faces during the NAB AFL Trade Period.

Caleb Marchbank, Rhys Palmer and Jarrod Pickett arrived from Greater Western Sydney, while Billie Smedts joined from Geelong. Cripps played basketball with Pickett in Geraldton, Western Australia, in his younger days.

The onballer said he picked up some tips from star opposition players and is looking forward to improving his game next year.

"When you play against some of the best opposition players, you learn tricks to still have an influence on the game. I felt like I got my head around that late last year," he said.

Carlton will kick off next year with the traditional season-opener against Richmond at the MCG on Thursday, March 23.