Carlton star midfielder Patrick Cripps continues to make encouraging progress in his return from a lower back stress reaction, acocording to teammate Dennis Armfield.

Armfield said Cripps' recent training suggested he would be ready for Carlton's Round 1 blockbuster against Richmond on March 23.

"Patrick Cripps is absolutely flying out there. He's a very professional athlete and he does everything to the utmost professionalism," Armfield said.

"He's out there today having a good little run around. He's definitely on track for Round 1 and that's really exciting."

Armfield, 30, joins Carlton's leadership group for the first time in his 10th season at Ikon Park.

The West Australian was "over the moon" to be named an official Blues leader, saying the arrival of coach Brendon Bolton last season had helped rejuvenate his career.

"It's been a long time coming and I'm really grateful for being a part of it but nothing changes for me or the leadership group, (I'll) do the same thing really," he said.

"The coaches coming in and having a really new vibe, really good educators, (helped me to) understand not only my role but my role in the team.

"Just knowing that if I go out there and do my job that's all that's required for the team, being able to do that has kept me consistent."

Carlton takes on Melbourne at Casey Fields on February 25 in the first of its three JLT Community Series matches.