MITCH McGovern is eager to get stuck into his first pre-season under David Teague as Senior Coach.

The key forward made an early return to Ikon Park last week, joining the first to fourth-year players in the second week of pre-season.

Having played under Teague at Adelaide and now at Carlton, McGovern is looking forward to what Teague can bring to the full-time role.

“I had him in Adelaide, so I know exactly what he’s bringing and it’s a lot of fun for the boys,” McGovern told Carlton Media.

“We’re going to be working hard but he’s going to bring the enjoyment factor with it as well, so I’m looking forward to what he can bring other than what he did while he was at Adelaide.”

Opting to get back on the training track early, McGovern had the chance to scope out his younger teammates before the full playing group returned.

Singling out Liam Stocker, McGovern has been impressed by the condition the young group has returned to the track in.

“Liam Stocker actually impressed me: he opened my eyes up,” he said.

“He had a little bit of niggle over the off-season, but he’s come back in pretty good nick and he looks a lot lighter and a lot more energetic on his feet.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do this year.”