BONDING and buying in.

After what was a gruelling Monday training session on the Sunshine Coast, day two of pre-season camp was all about the team for budding forward Matthew Kennedy.

In a rare opportunity to take in the change of scenery, Carlton’s second day in Mooloolaba focused on recovery and camaraderie ahead of the week’s demanding training schedule.

“[Monday] was quite a tough day for the boys in the scorching heat and a pretty solid session,” Kennedy told Carlton Media

“Getting out of the Melbourne lifestyle and changing it up a bit has been really refreshing and I think the boys got a lot of out of it.

“The real talking point amongst the playing group is Friday… it’s always a great feeling finishing a camp on a tough session knowing that you got through it together.”

On-field progress aside, Kennedy has relished the opportunity to get amongst the team in a different environment and grow relationships in the lead-up to Round 1.

Kennedy highlighted some new Blues as the ones he has enjoyed getting to know on the Sunshine Coast.

“As every camp is, it’s a good opportunity for obviously team bonding,” he said.

“I think we’ve done that really well, especially with a few of the new boys coming in like Eddie Betts and Jack Martin.

“They’ve really showcased their leadership and I think a lot of the young boys are really buying in and picking the brains of a few of the older boys, so they’ve been great.”

Following a successful move to the forward line in 2019, this summer marks the first pre-season for Kennedy in his newfound forward role.

Two days into the pre-season camp, Kennedy has hailed the influence of two teammates in particular for their assistance.

“I think for me forward and sort of buying into that new role, I think Eddie Betts has been really good,” he said.

“Mitch McGovern [as well] — I’ve been able to do a bit of vision with him and watch him. He’s been really helpful for me personally.

“I’m really enjoying the change in environment with the forward group: they’re all so helpful and I’m loving my time up there. Hopefully I can cement a spot up forward."