WITH members finally back at an AFL open training session at IKON Park after nearly two years, there were a bunch of familiar faces out in the Legends Stand of IKON Park.

One of those was Ali Zekeria, a long-time Carlton member who shared his photos from the session on Friday morning. 

Here's a collection for all Carlton supporters to enjoy, as well as a bit of an introduction of Zekeria's own story.

Hello Bluebaggers,

I'm Ali Zekeria, a budding photographer, and I had the pleasure of being able to attend Friday's open training session and am glad to share some of my favourite snaps that I took on the day.

Having worked from home the last two years, confined to the South East suburbs, I relished the opportunity to marry my lifelong passion, Carlton, with my more recent hobby in photography.

Friday's session was full of fresh faces in the coaching ranks and amongst the players that you'd forgive a foreign feel after such a long period of time away from fans and half the familiar stands torn down. But after entering through the Garton St entrance, it felt like being home after a long trip and the enthusiasm within the ground was infectious (so I assume, I had an N95 mask on).

Be it an energetic Michael Voss, a thankfully grizzly-looking Sam Docherty or the prospect of houses being trained down, it was an absolute pearler of a day provided by the club. I hope you enjoy the snaps I took and hope to be singing our wonderfully surly club song at the 'G after thumping any of (preferably all) Richmond, Collingwood, Essendon and Hawthorn.