INJURY-PRONE Carlton forward Jarrad Waite has been hurt again, this time dislocating a finger on his right hand at training.

But Blues fans need not worry – a club spokesperson told AFL.com.au the joint had been quickly put back into place.

Naturally, there were concerns when Waite – Carlton's most important forward – jogged off Visy Park grimacing in pain late in the session at Visy Park on Wednesday.

Word quickly spread that Waite had suffered another injury. Fears were heightened when, once indoors, the luckless star let out a scream of frustration.

So there was genuine relief when it was revealed the problem was easily fixed and wouldn’t cost Waite any valuable training time.

Waite had been enjoying his best pre-season for some time and was moving freely at training, seemingly putting his ongoing back issues behind him.

A member of Carlton's five-man leadership group, Waite – who will turn 30 on February 4 – has played 154 AFL games, but just 48 in the past four seasons.

At a press conference after training, defender Jeremy Laidler said Waite and ruckman Matthew Kreuzer were set for a big seasons.

"I spoke to Jarrad the other day and he said this is his first full pre-season in so many years," he said.

"He's just rapt to be out there. He's fit and ready to go. And Matty Kreuzer is ready to go. They’re both pretty vital to our team. You do need big key men to dominate the games."

During a slick, high-intensity, 90-minute session, fans and assembled media gained an insight into the closely-guarded game plan coach Mick Malthouse has devised for the Blues.

During some spirited, half-ground competitive work, the Blues practised a version of Malthouse's famous defensive press – which helped spearhead Collingwood to the 2010 premiership.

They also worked hard the other way, trying to find ways through the press.

Malthouse was also very particular about the Blues' ball movement. Soon after a Blue kicked across the ground, and into the breeze, only for the ball to be intercepted, the coach momentarily stopped the drill and could be heard to say: "Learn the lesson – that kick will kill us."

He then explained that in such an instance he wanted the ball delivered "down the line".

Laidler later explained: "He knows how the game should be played and how he wants it played so he's (laying) the laws down, and if you don’t stick to those laws you won’t play. We'll look to move the ball quickly – that's the quickest way to goal."

The only Blue not involved in full training was Andrew McInnes, who is overcoming a knee reconstruction and is expected to be back in training by March.

Laidler said creating stability was vital, particularly in the backline, and was especially pleased by the return of Michael Jamison, whom he described as "a vital cog" whose leadership was "second to none".

He also predicted a breakout year for long-kicking defender Matthew Watson, who had added some muscle, while Nick Duigan's leadership had "gone through the roof".

Earlier, Laidler told AFL.com.au that having a healthier list had created greater depth and competition for spots, and pushed the established players to go to another level.

As for the Blues' captaincy, it will be resolved by the end of the NAB Cup with the three candidates – Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo and Kade Simpson – to each be given a turn at leading the side in the pre-season competition.