CARLTON midfielder Brock McLean says he is on track to be fit for round one despite a slow start to his pre-season training.

The 24-year-old has endured four operations this year, two of which - an ankle arthroscope and an iliotibial band (ITB) release - were after the end of the Blues' season.

"I've got to take more of the tortoise approach this year, just slow and steady," he said on Wednesday at the White Ribbon breakfast at Federation Square's Zinc.

"I won't do much before Christmas and then after Christmas really ramp it up and get set for a big season."

The former Demon had a year to forget at his new club, managing just six games before round 10.

He battled a range of injuries, two of which forced him into the operating theatre mid-season for a knee arthroscope and the first ITB release on the reverse side to the one he had recently. 

"I don't know why the club kept putting hip down; I had a hip problem for one week," he said.

"It was my knees and towards the end of the year my ankle that I had reconstructed a few years ago started to give me grief.

"We're on top of that now and we think we've got the right program in place and it is full steam ahead."

McLean admitted frustration at being restricted in his first season at Carlton but was philosophical about his situation.

"You try not to get too down on yourself. You've got to put things into perspective," he said.

"It's only a few little niggling injuries. I could be worse off, I've still got my health and every day the sun comes up and I've got another opportunity next year."

Despite the fact he managed so few games after costing the Blues pick 11 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, which Melbourne used on promising youngster Jordan Gysberts, he said he wasn't burdened by expectation for next season.

"The pressure more comes from external sources; the media and fans and people outside the footy club," he said.

"The club has been great with me and they'll continue to back me for as long as I need."

He also said he had spoken to former teammate Cameron Bruce about his departure from Melbourne and understood why the veteran forward chose to leave.

"Melbourne is heading in a direction and they're going to stay firm and go with youth and younger players," McLean said.

"But you can see from Brucey's side as well he's got to look after his own backyard and wants that security of a two-year contract."