The JLT Community Series is underway and the Blues are eager to put pre-season preparations into practice.
With just over one week until Carlton takes on Melbourne in its first pre-season hit-out, defender Sam Rowe said the playing group was motivated to return to the action.
“It’s been a consistent pre-season from the boys and we’re pretty pumped (for the JLT Series),” Rowe told Carlton Media.
“We’re excited to start some games and we’re really looking forward to it.”
A dominant presence on the track throughout pre-season has Rowe, who finished equal sixth in the Blues' 2016 best and fairest, well placed for the year ahead.
“Completing the majority of the pre-season sets me up for a good year,” he said.
“I’ve pretty much done every session, that was my plan.”
While Rowe prepares to enter his sixth pre-season series, new recruit Tom Williamson hopes to feature in his first.
And if the opportunity arose for the former North Ballarat Rebel to pull on the navy blue guernsey, he said he would use the experience for growth.
“I’d hope to just play my role for the team and get my head around the structures and game plans,” Williamson told Carlton Media.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
VIDEO: Williamson speaks to Carlton Media
Williamson joins fellow draftees Zac Fisher, Harrison Macreadie, Patrick Kerr, Cameron Polson, Kym Lebois and Alex Silvagni in being available for selection for the Blues’ first JLT Community Series match.
Tom Williamson looks for a target on the track. (Photo: AFL Media)
Carlton supporters will have to wait a little bit longer, however, to watch prized No.6 draft pick Sam Petrevski-Seton, who last week suffered a quad strain.
Although listed as a midfielder, it remains to be seen where 18-year-old Williamson will feature most prominently in his debut season.
“I think I’ll probably start in defence, I’ve been playing that role at training,” he said.
“I’m open to anywhere and hopefully eventually I’ll work into that midfield role.”
Carlton takes on Melbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday 25 February, St Kilda at Ikon Park on Saturday March 4 and Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Friday 10 March.
