Running, running and more running – that's what Carlton players are expecting from the upcoming preseason. 

And with no sign of of being "eased back into it" how well are the boys prepared for the hard work that awaits them?

Recently re-signed rookie Blaine Johnson didn't allow either his social life or fitness regime to suffer during his time away. 

"I organised regular runs with a few mates and tried to focus on the diet plan that they gave us,” Johnson said. 

"The running components are probably the hardest part of the preseason, but it's probably one of the most important parts as well."

And who does the the 19-year-old believe trained the hardest during their time off? 

"I think Patrick Cripps has come back pretty fit, he's definitely bulked up a bit," Johnson said. 

Meanwhile Irishman Zach Tuohy nominated Nick Graham as looking the leanest of them all.

"Graham seems to have shed some fat and replaced it with muscle – he's look really good at the moment,” Tuohy said. 

Blues youngster Nick Graham. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)

As for the medal for the most innovative way of keeping fit during the holidays, well we believe that accolade should be awarded to Sam Rowe. 

The Blues defender and part-time builder focused on a personal project during his absence from Visy Park.  

"I was renovating my house during the break – so that's kept me in some sort of shape," Rowe said.