Carlton’s new recruit Rhys Palmer says he’s thrilled to have joined a “massive club”.
The 2008 Rising Star winner arrived at the Blues from Greater Western Sydney during this year’s trade period.
After a combined 122 games for Fremantle and GWS, the West Australian said the lure of playing for a Victorian club was one he couldn’t resist.
“The opportunity to come to Melbourne - the home of footy - to play at the big grounds and be involved with such a big club was one I wasn’t going to miss,” Palmer said.
“It’s very exciting … it’s really cool to be down here.”
The 27-year-old joined the Blues’ senior brigade for their first day of the 2017 pre-season on Monday and was rapt with the progress of the Club.
“It’s a really good group of boys and a really good feel about the Club,” he said.
“It obviously took a step forward last year with ‘Bolts’ (coach Brendon Bolton) being here and really taking control of the Club - it looks like it’s all on the right track.”
Palmer wasted no time returning from the break, focusing on making an immediate impact and gaging what he can contribute to the Blues.
“I had a bit of surgery at the end of the year so (my goals are) just to get my body right at the start and know the game plan inside out.”
The former No.7 draft pick will offer a level of experience to the Blues’ line-up, having spent a decade in the AFL system.
“I’ve played the game for ten years now, so I hope to bring a bit of experience and work ethic to the training group and into the games.”
Despite only being week one of pre-season, the goalscoring midfielder/forward has been quick to immerse himself in the Blues’ culture and reunite with his fellow ex-Giants.
“I know a few of the boys and spent a bit of time with them, which has helped,” he said.
“I’m living with Liam Sumner at the moment, so he’s showing me the ropes.
“(Caleb) Marchbank is a really good kid. He’s come to the Carlton Football Club in really good shape so I’m sure he’ll have a good year.
“Obviously just to meet the new boys and some of the greats that are already at the club like (Marc) Murphy, (Bryce) Gibbs and a few of those lads, it’s pretty nice to knock about with them.”
Carlton’s full squad will continue pre-season at Ikon Park before heading to the Gold Coast for a training camp in December.
