DIRECTOR of High Performance Andrew Russell said Carlton is beginning to consolidate its playing list in the build-up to the season.
Training sessions at Ikon Park are beginning to get a lot more crowded, with Russell mentioning that 40 players partook in the skills session earlier in the week.
He said it was positive news with just over three weeks remaining until the start of the home-and-away season.
“The goal this time of year is to get as many players out on the track as possible and be ready for Round 1,” Russell said.
“We feel like we’re consolidating the list well, with 40 players out there doing ball work and doing the skill component part of our training.
“We’re really pleased about it and it gives us solid grounding going into the season.”
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Matthew Kreuzer
We're preparing to welcome back a host of names as the countdown to the season continues.#BoundByBlue
A number of Blues showed the benefits of a strong base of training in last week’s practice match against Hawthorn — not least, two of Carlton’s key recruits from the off-season.
One of those was Will Setterfield, who returned to action for the first time in over a year. Russell said the big-bodied midfielder is ready to increase his minutes in a competitive environment.
“‘Setters’ played his first game in over 12 months against the Hawks and he pulled up really well,” he said.
“He’s up for selection this week and he’s ready to play a full game.”
Joining him is forward Mitch McGovern, who - similarly to Setterfield - featured against Hawthorn for a half.
Russell said the 24-year-old was continuing to make progress and putting in the work in his new surrounds.
“He pulled up really well. We did some extra conditioning straight after the game with him and once again, he trained [on Monday],” he said.
“He’ll be close to a full game this week against Essendon.”
The Blues will host Essendon from 6:40pm AEDT at Ikon Park tomorrow.
