FORMER St Kilda champion Robert Harvey has taken a significant step down the path to becoming a senior AFL coach after Carlton elevated him to assistant coach status on Monday.

Harvey joined the Blues in a development capacity ahead of the 2009 season after drawing his decorated 383-game career to a close after 21 years at Moorabbin.

After an initial settling-in period at Visy Park he has thrived in his new environment and agreed a senior role was now something he coveted.

"It's certainly something I'd look at down the track hopefully, but there are not too many assistant coaches in the league who wouldn't say the same thing," Harvey said from the club's first day of pre-season training on Monday.

"The first year was good and I really enjoyed it. This year is another step up responsibility-wise, [but] I've enjoyed every part of it.

"I initially agreed on a two-year term and I was probably always going to head down the track of being more involved with the midfield in the second year, so it's good."

Harvey explained that he has learned a lot more at Carlton than would have been possible if he had have joined the Saints in a coaching capacity.

"It was really hard to leave after so long at one club, but I learned so much coming somewhere different and meeting the new guys and the coaches that were here," Harvey said.

"It was good to get a change. I think it was a positive thing. I see it that way. It was pretty hard, but I've enjoyed it."

Bryce Gibbs was the most senior member of a 14-strong contingent of mostly-younger Blues who officially kicked off the club's pre-season program.

The group also included tall timber Robbie Warnock, Matthew Kreuzer and Shaun Hampson as well as regular senior players Michael Jamison, Aaron Joseph, Mitch Robinson, Dennis Armfield and Shaun Grigg. 

Warnock, Jamison and Robinson all had their seasons cut short by injury, but none was carrying any visible signs of their respective complaints and participated fully in the light session that concentrated mainly on skills.

"The boys are pumped to be out here," Harvey remarked. "We've only got a handful of young guys here today, but they're excited. Even over the eight weeks off that they've had they've regularly been dropping in to do some stuff which has been great. It's a great sign for the club."

Jarrad Waite wasn't present, but he has returned from Queensland where he completed an intensive two-week rehabilitation camp with knee expert Suki Hobson.

Harvey revealed the important swingman remained on track to play early next season.

"He hasn't missed a beat and he'll be there for the first session when the [more senior] boys get back," he said.

"He'll be into it and he's excited and I think he's refreshed in a way too.

"He worked really hard all last season while the boys were out on the field. While it was hard for him, it was great for him [as well]."