CARLTON utility Andrew Walker is hopeful he can continue his AFL career in his preferred midfield or forward positions following a meeting with coach Brett Ratten.

Walker, who was used as a running defender in 2010 after recovering from a broken collarbone, sought a new home during trade week and was linked with Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs.

The 24-year-old had spoken openly with Ratten following the Blues' finals exit about what he felt was his best position and was adamant he had the ability to push up the ground in 2011.

"We both sat down and decided that my best football would be played as an onballer or up forward, and that's where I thought I played my best football," Walker told carltonfc.com.au.

"I was lucky enough to play the (Sydney) final as a forward and show that I could definitely take on the job as a forward or defensive forward. And I know that I've got the tank to play as a midfielder."

Walker, who has played 103 AFL games in seven seasons with Carlton, said he approached Ratten in an effort to be more proactive about his future.

"It's a pretty harsh world, AFL, and if you limit yourself and don't express how you feel then your football's going to slowly die off," he said.

"That was me going to them and saying, 'This is where I play my best football, and if I couldn't have that opportunity here then I'd have to look for other opportunities to play as a midfielder or as a forward'.

"[I'm] grateful for and happy with the opportunity to stay here [knowing] that they're going to continue to work on my development as a midfielder and as a forward from this year on.

"Rats was great with it. He said, 'We're going to work really hard with you. We want you as a forward and we want you as a midfielder, but we also want you as a defender as well'.

"I'm starting to see the benefits of voicing my opinion."

Finally enjoying a clean bill of health after a long run of injuries, Walker said he was in career-best shape after leading the Blues through a 3.2km time trial.

"It's terrific to return to pre-season knowing that your body's at 100 per cent," he said.

"I'm coming into my eighth year now and I've had seven years of surgeries going into pre-season, so it's good to get off to a good start and hopefully I can enjoy the full pre-season."