While every Carlton supporter was no doubt rapt that Chris Judd is playing on this year, no one was perhaps more excited by his decision than Blues hard man Tom Bell.
Carlton has a mentoring system in place, whereby senior players take those coming through the ranks under their wing – Judd has done that for Bell.
The 23-year-old has told radio station RSN that there is no-one better he could be learning from.
"Me and Chris have been teed up for that (mentoring) over the past three years so it's been an absolute honour to be working with Chris … he's a guru of the game," Bell said.
"Chris is a very approachable guy and I think he really thrives when the younger guys come to him and ask him for advice."
Bell has played in both of Carlton's NAB Challenge games so far this pre-season and will line-up again on Sunday when the Blues take on Geelong at Etihad Stadium.
Last weekend the midfielder had 15 disposals, took four marks and kicked a goal in the win over Collingwood.
He says the team went into the match with a clear focus.
"We had a real focus to come out really strong against the Pies as they're pretty electric in the first quarter as we saw against Hawthorn," Bell said.
"It was good to come out strong and kick a few early ones and I think that put us in good stead for the rest of the game."
