Introduction
Most of Carlton's list started pre-season with a three-week training camp in sweltering temperatures in Doha and Abu Dhabi. After a 10-day break to recover, the full group went into a solid six-week block of training back in Melbourne, taking them through to Christmas. Despite the tough workload, enthusiasm has been high and the Blues seem confident about their chances in 2012. A top four finish is their stated aim.
Medical room
The Blues have been cautious with several stars up until now, but should have almost a full list on the training track after Christmas. Kade Simpson (hip), Chris Yarran (hip) and Bryce Gibbs (shoulder) have all re-joined the main group after minor post-season procedures, with Marc Murphy (knee) and Jarrad Waite (hip) not far away. Although not participating in ball-work, Murphy has been working hard on his fitness and looks in excellent condition. Skipper Chris Judd is back running after minor shoulder surgery and should also be back into full work in the New Year.
Summer superstar
Several Blues have impressed on the track, but none has been more noticeable than Matthew Kreuzer, who has shed several kilograms from his huge frame and looks fit, lean and mobile. According to veteran Heath Scotland, the trio of Kane Lucas, Paul Bower and Jordan Russell returned to training in excellent shape and have set a high standard.
Draftee watch
It wouldn't surprise to see former Sydney Swans rookie Sam Rowe featuring in Carlton's senior side reasonably early in 2012. The 24-year-old, who spent the last four seasons at SANFL club Norwood, has played out of the goalsquare during match practice and given a good account of himself. His big body should have no problem handling the demands of top-flight footy. The club's other November draftees Josh Bootsma and Dylan Buckley are more long-term propositions. Buckley, son of former Blues champion Jim, is still recovering from ankle surgery and is yet to join the main group. Both will spend plenty of time in the gym this summer.
Putting the feet up
Carlton's last session for 2011 was on December 23. Most of the players will return on January 9, with the full group back together two days later.
Membership
On the back of their 'I am Carlton' slogan, the Blues clicked past 19,000 members in late December. That's a significant improvement on the 15,510 figure of the same time last year.
NAB Cup schedule
Round one (Sunday, February 26): v Adelaide and Port Adelaide, AAMI Stadium
Round two (Sunday, March 4): v Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium
Round three (Saturday, March 10): v Brisbane Lions, venue TBA
What they say
"We had a lot of blokes come back from their break in a lot better shape, and our results in our first week back were probably 15 to 20 per cent better than this time last year … I think the biggest difference so far in this pre-season is that our core group of players aged between 21 and 25 have really lifted the bar. They're setting the tempo at training now. They're raising the bar and we've all got to follow, so the whole group's in great shape." - Heath Scotland
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
