NEXT Tuesday is expected to see the entire Carlton list back in full training ahead of February's NAB Challenge.
The Blues had close to 20 players undergo post-season surgery, including ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (foot), Andrew Carrazzo (calf) and Chris Judd (wrist/elbow).
All three players missed the club's trip to Arizona – led by new high performance manager David Buttifant, who arrived from Collingwood to join Mick Malthouse in September – as they overcame their complaints.
New recruit Dale Thomas has also been carefully managed as he rehabilitates the ankle that wrecked his 2013.
He was late to the US trip as he was kept from the early hikes but joined his new teammates after the first week.
The Blues have already said they are bullish about their chances of having a full list to pick from for their first home and away game against Port Adelaide on March 16.
Earlier on Thursday, Thomas told the club's website his body was feeling the best it had for two years after a few weeks of training.
The players held a skills session on Thursday morning at Visy Park, with the list split into three groups.
Robbie Warnock, Cameron Wood and Kreuzer were all involved as were captain Marc Murphy, Carrazzo, Judd and Thomas.
Murphy appears close to finalising a contract extension, with Carlton CEO Greg Swann telling The Age on Thursday that talks were "progressing well".
The 26-year-old is due to become a restricted free agent at the end of this season.
International rookie pair Ciaran Byrne and Ciaran Sheehan continued to develop their skills earlier in the session.
Injury-prone forward Jarrad Waite also moved freely when he hit the track.
Also on Thursday, the AFL confirmed Nick Duigan – who retired in December – has been officially placed on the long-term injury list.
This will enable the Blues to promote a rookie to replace him on the senior list.
Veteran Heath Scotland is the club's nominated rookie after being delisted then re-drafted in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft, which means he is already eligible to play seniors.
