As Carlton players are in the midst of their pre-season training camp at Mount Buller, we take a look at what's being said about the Blues:

Mick Malthouse optimistic about Carlton improvement with almost full list to pick from
Herald Sun – Jay Clark

Carlton Coach Michael Malthouse says an "air of optimism" has engulfed the club as it attempts to shut down the defensive vulnerabilities that hurt it last season. Malthouse said the Club was in a "dangerous" situation last year, with more than 20 players requiring post-season surgery, hampering the Blues as they become the first Malthouse-caoched side to have lost the first four games of the season. The club has suffered three minor injury setbacks on their Mt Buller camp, second-year midfielder Patrick Cripps hurt his right ankle playing volleyball on Wednesday to join Chris Yarran (calf strain on a bike ride) and Kade Simpson (rolled ankle at training) on the sidelines.The trio is expected to be back full training in the next fortnight and the Blues will enter next month's NAB challenge better placed than last season.

'Taking the mickey' just not on for the Blues, says Mick Malthouse
The Age – Jon Pierik

Carlton has made it clear that players who strive for excellence will be respected and admired and no longer have the "mickey" taken out of them, as the rejigged Blues seek greater accountability. The Blues have made increased professionalism one of their key objectives of the pre-season, with players to be rewarded for maintaining high standards on the training track on and off the field. The inconsistent attitudes of Mitch Robinson and Jeff Garlett contributed to their departure in last year's trade period , while another player's lack of required seriousness at training also played a part in his absence from Princes Park. A more team-driven focus has been on show during the club camp, with the players on Wednesday enjoying the benefits of a high-altitude walk (1800 metres above sea level) to the summit of Mt Buller.

Joyous Malthouse proves he's in rare air
AFL.com.au – Nick Bowen

Mick Malthouse says there is a pervading air of optimism at Carlton that the Blues can rise up the ladder in 2015. After finishing sixth in Malthouse's first year as Blues coach in 2012, Carlton fell to 13th last year after managing just seven wins and a draw. Malthouse said there were a number of reasons for the Blues' positive outlook amongst them the vast improvement in the health of their list this pre-season compared to last summer. The three-time premiership coach was speaking on Wednesday morning after the Blues' players and coaches completed a walk to Mt Buller's summit, 1800m about sea level.