WEDNESDAY provided a poignant reminder of the whirlwind Sam Philp has experienced in the last few months.

A footy lover from day one, Philp is no stranger to the encompassing nature of the game.

However, he felt the full force of it at Carlton’s pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast.

Recapping day three to Carlton Media, Philp said the turnout from Carlton’s Queensland-based supporters was an eye-opener.

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Pre-season diaries | Philp on day three

In the third of the daily series, Sam Philp summarises the third day of the Club's pre-season camp.

“Being from Melbourne, we’ve had a few open training sessions and you see how loyal and big the fanbase is,” Philp said.

“But actually coming up here on the Sunshine Coast and seeing how many supporters turned up to come and watch, it’s a huge effort.

“It’s something that I’ve realised how important it is to a lot of people.”

With Lochie O’Brien and Matthew Kennedy completing daily diaries from the camp, Philp provided the unique insight of what it’s like on a first AFL camp.

READ MORE:
Kennedy: Blues bonding, buying in

Conceding that it is natural for the first-year players to stick together, he said the Blue bonds had developed across the board on the eve of the season.

“Coming into the Club, already I thought it was tight and everyone gets along really well with each other. On the back of the last three days, it has gone to another level,” he said.

“I’m starting to feel even more comfortable.

“[Friday’s session] pretty much symbolises the end of pre-season, once camp is done. The boys are really excited to tackle the challenge on Friday but also get ready for the next chapter of the year.”

Reality has set in for Philp in recent months, who was selected with pick No.20 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft.

He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face when he compared his last few weeks to that of his younger sister.

“I’m loving the routine of things: it’s a lot different to what I was doing this time last year. I’m really happy with how things are going,” he said.

“Coming up on camp puts things into perspective.

“Having a younger sister who’s getting up and going to school each morning while I’m driving into the footy club or going to camp on the Sunshine Coast — it’s pretty cool!”