The senior players resume some 64 days after last running out for the Round 23 match against St Kilda, and with fine weather expected on Cup Eve supporters are encouraged to turn out to lend their support.
Groups of 1-4-year players and older will undergo a series of tests at Visy Park from Monday through to Thursday, before departing Melbourne on Friday morning for a fortnight’s elite altitude training at a camp in Arizona.
Carlton General Manager - Football Operations Andrew McKay said that as the 2.45pm session was open, “it’d be great to see all the supporters come along, particularly as it’s Mick’s first training run”.
“The weather will be nice, everyone gets the day off, so come down and have a look.”
All players with the exception of Brock McLean (who is currently overseas and will join the players in Arizona) will front on Monday, although Josh Bootsma, Marcus Davies, Matthew Kreuzer, Andrew McInnes and Marc Murphy will only partake in modified training.
“In saying that, there are a lot more players up and about than at the same time last year, when almost 20 weren’t available for the start of training then,” McKay said.
“There’s an air of expectation amongst the players, particularly with Mick coming in. Everyone wants to do the right thing, train hard and get their name up in lights for Round one. They want to be challenged and they’ll all be challenged . . . ”
McKay, who will join the players in Arizona, said the timing of the camp was perfect. “It gives the players a chance to get to know Mick, Mick a chance to get to know the players and the players a chance to get to know the game plan and structures.”
The only player not heading to Arizona is new father Eddie Betts, who will remain in Melbourne on paternal leave.
