CARLTON players had no hesitation re-electing Bryce Gibbs to the club's leadership group despite his unsuccessful request for a trade to Adelaide.

Gibbs sought to return to his home state of South Australia in last October's trade period, primarily so he and his partner, Lauren, could call on a wider family network to support them with their young son Charlie.

The Blues and Crows could not agree to a deal, however, forcing Gibbs to return to Ikon Park, where he remains contracted until the end of 2019.

Gibbs was again part of Carlton's leadership group when the club announced its 2017 team on Wednesday, with captain Marc Murphy, vice-captain Kade Simpson, Patrick Cripps, Sam Docherty, Ed Curnow and first-time appointee Dennis Armfield the others selected after a player vote. 

Armfield said on Wednesday he and his teammates did not hold Gibbs' trade request against him when conducting the leadership vote.

"As soon as he rocked up day one of pre-season he was here as a Carlton player, really passionate about the club, really hard-working," Armfield said.

"He's probably been one of the best on the track, so there was no doubt in my mind or the players' minds or the team's mind that he was going to be a leader of this club."

Star midfielder Patrick Cripps continues to make encouraging progress in his return from a lower back stress reaction, an injury that was diagnosed in late November. 

Armfield said Cripps' recent training suggested he would be ready for Carlton's round one blockbuster against Richmond on March 23.

"Patrick Cripps is absolutely flying out there. He's a very professional athlete and he does everything to the utmost professionalism," Armfield said.

"He's out there today having a good little run around. He's definitely on track for round one and that's really exciting."

Armfield, 30, joins Carlton's leadership group for the first time in his 10th season at Ikon Park.

The West Australian was "over the moon" to be named an official Blues leader, saying the arrival of coach Brendon Bolton last season had helped rejuvenate his career.

"It's been a long time coming and I'm really grateful for being a part of it but nothing changes for me or the leadership group, (I'll) do the same thing really," he said.

"The coaches coming in and having a really new vibe, really good educators, (helped me to) understand not only my role but my role in the team.  

"Just knowing that if I go out there and do my job that's all that's required for the team, being able to do that has kept me consistent."