It’s only been one week, but Carlton coach Brendon Bolton has already made an instant impact on the baby Blues.
‘Bolts’ made it clear he was impressed with young defender Dylan Buckley in the first week of pre-season, and it appears the feeling is mutual.
Watch Bolton speak to the media
“Bolts is such a passionate guy, you can tell he loves footy and you can’t help but sit on the edge of your seat when he talks – all the boys are really pumped at the moment,” Buckley told 3AW.
In a jam-packed opening week for Carlton’s 1-4 year players, getting to know each other was high on Bolton’s list.
“On the first day there were a lot of new faces – the boys should have been wearing name tags,” Buckley laughed.
“We sat down and got to know everyone, had a ten-minute meeting with every coach and it was purely just getting to know each other – about our hobbies and what we’re into, it was great.”
As well as the introductions, a lesson on new language and terminology, Bolton also emphasised the need to create strong relationships with every person at the Club – something Buckley is eager to do.
“We’re really keen on building those relationships at the Club, making sure we get around to everyone, not just the players but even the staff upstairs – Bolts has been really driving that part of our footy club.
“It’s going to take continual chats, showing each other that we care and we’re interested in each other, to keep growing those relationships.”
While all the young Blues started last week, Carlton’s 4+ year players officially return to the training track on 23 November, and the 22-year-old says he’s “looking forward to getting the old guys back”.
One experienced player who has returned early is Dale Thomas and Buckley says the midfielder will be looking for a “big year” in 2016.
“Daisy (Thomas) is looking really good, I think sometimes you just need a bit of luck, and he’s been working really hard in the off-season.
“He came down and trained with the boys yesterday when he’s still meant to be on holidays…he’s looking really fit, he’s looking really lean and he’s dropped a couple of kilos.”
The young defender is well aware there’ll be plenty of challenges in 2016, but says the team has “high hopes” of seeing real development and growth.
“Our club has really turned a corner now and we’ve got the right people on board.
“SOS is upstairs making good decisions and the boys have been really impressed with what he’s done in the off-season.”
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