THERE have been no surprises on the training track in the opening week.

To Director of High Performance Andrew Russell, that's the perfect result.

With first-to-four-year players returning on Monday, Russell said the opening three skill sessions had been an example of the hard-working nature of Carlton's emerging crop.

Speaking to Carlton Media, Russell said - put simply - the Club was "really impressed" by the way the players returned to Ikon Park.

"Our first-to-four-year guys are a really good, quality group of individuals. They're extremely low maintenance, which is exactly what we want," Russell said.

"They just get in and get the job done. They presented as we expected: they presented in excellent shape which allows us to get into a high-quality ball program which we have done this week.

"We've had three really good quality skill sessions and the attitude is first class. We couldn't be more pleased with how the group is going."

Russell was also full of praise for some senior Blues who were back on the track already, despite only being scheduled to return on Wednesday 6 January 2021. 

One of those was new Blue Adam Saad, who Russell believes has fitted in seamlessly among the playing group since day one.

The Director of High Performance also singled out Mitch McGovern, who has featured in all three skill sessions since Monday.

"Adam Saad has come in and he's an absolute professional: he's still looking to be the best athlete and the best footballer he can be," he said.

"We've been really impressed with Saad and the way he's come in: the boys love him already which helps.

"Mitch McGovern has been here since day one and has done every session with the group. He's certainly in the best shape that he's been at this time of the year in the last three years since he's been at Carlton."