CARLTON coach Brett Ratten believes playing in September next year is a realistic goal for his young side.
In his end of season review on CFC TV on the club's website, Ratten said he was satisfied with the in-roads the list made in 2008, but was disappointed a top eight finish remained elusive.
"I've sat back at times and been very pleased with our growth as a team in a foundation season where we put a lot of things in place," he said.
"We didn't get everything right but we can see that we're heading in the right path.
"The other side of me reflects to say 'we didn't make the eight', and that's the seventh year in a row, and that's the expectation of the Carlton football club.
"There's parts of me that are pleased, and then there's other parts that make me disappointed we didn't make the eight, because that's everyone's goal."
He said finishing above the club's 2008 placing of 11th and inside the top eight is an objective within the sights of the side.
"It's a challenge for the group that we have to keep the momentum going forward. Ten wins was a step in the right direction, but now it's about the way we go about it," he said.
"It will start with the preparation when the boys come back on the 25th [of October], which is our first group and then a week later.
"We'll see from that point of view how committed we really are as a group and what we want to achieve in 2009."
Ratten won't be holding back this pre-season in terms of discipline. He has already relied upon peer group pressure to help motivate his players to remain in shape over their break.
"Last year we didn't come back in the greatest physical condition, and I've told them and warned them that's our big stepping stone – we need to get a real start," he said.
"We haven't done any testing; usually we test during the break and this year we haven't.
"They're grouped in threes so if the players don't come back in the physical condition that is required, all three will train at a different venue at a different time.
"I wouldn't like to be in that position, but they've been warned, so I expect our boys to come back in good condition to make sure we get a real springboard in 2009."
Ratten said he is hopeful the thought of training with the club's VFL side the Northern Bullants at Preston's Cramer Street oval will be enough to ensure the players come back fit.
"You're never fully confident because there is past history that some players can waver from the program that's been put in front of them," he said.
"But I think the peer group pressure that will be created from the other two players that will be put in that group will put that person under enormous pressure.
"Usually when they come back, they let themselves down but this time, you'll be letting your mates down as well."
