Carlton players continued their rigorous training regime with a solid session at Visy Park today.

Several training drills aimed to simulate match conditions, while AFL umpires were on hand to clarify the interpretation of rules.

Coach Mick Malthouse says the team found the exercise very beneficial.

“We now know where the umpires need to stand and how they want to operate,” Malthouse said.

“So it was good for us, and good for them to see that when you have a simulated stoppage, how it effects everyone’s positioning.”

Meanwhile Friday's session marked an increase in tempo for Carlton's new recruits, with the Club's first NAB Challenge match against North Melbourne just a fortnight away. 

The efforts of the young Blues have been praised by Malthouse, who has been particularly impressed with how they've gone about their pre-season. 

“Nick Graham is leading on from where he left off last year in playing a couple of senior games – he’s pushing hard for more permanent selection,” Malthouse said.

“Luke Reynolds, one of our rookies, is really progressing to the stage where he is going to push for selection down the track, and Blaine Johnson has also taken his training up a notch.”

Carlton is set to kick off the NAB Challenge on Saturday 15 February against the Kangaroos in Ballarat.