THE training track at Ikon Park is beginning to get a lot more crowded, with some key names either already partaking or due to return to full training.

With tomorrow’s Hyundai Open Training session coinciding with the final session of 2018, a collection of players who will play critical roles in Carlton’s fortunes are being integrated into skills drills.

A trio of those arrived in the 2018 trade period: Director of High Performance Andrew Russell said Alex Fasolo, Mitch McGovern and Will Setterfield are well-placed in their first pre-seasons.

It’s another significant boost for the Blues, who have close to the entire playing list currently in full training.

“Alex Fasolo is back in full training right now, having recovered from his ankle injury. Mitch McGovern is also back into the skills program, he’ll be doing the full program when we return in the new year,” Russell said.

“Will Setterfield is progressing really well in his rehab from that ACL injury, and he’s starting to filter into our ball program. He’s on track to be back in full training in January."

Russell also made mention of two newcomers to the AFL, who will join Setterfield in the new year in the full program.

“Matt Owies (hamstring) will be in the skills program when we return from Christmas, as is Finbar O’Dwyer,” Russell said.

The Blues also have three players that are currently engaged in full training who will very much feel like new recruits in 2019.

Pleasingly for Carlton, Russell said that Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Kreuzer and Tom Williamson are all engaged in full training after interrupted campaigns in 2018.

Russell also said that joint captain Sam Docherty was recovering well after undergoing surgery on his injured ACL on Monday morning.