Carlton players will exchange Melbourne’s cold snap for even chillier conditions next month, with a squad of approximately 34 players heading to Arizona for a pre-season training camp.
 
The team departs for Flagstaff on December 3 for a two-week stay, which will include altitude training sessions and a gruelling Grand Canyon hike.
 
It’s almost a month later than the Blues’ trip to Arizona last year, meaning it will be even colder – the daily minimum temperatures can range between -7°C and -16°C.
 
Carlton’s GM-Football Operations Andrew McKay has told the Herald Sun, it will be a challenging journey, headed up by new High Performance Manager David Buttifant.
 
“David Buttifant is on board now and it's the second time over under (coach) Mick Malthouse, which means there will be a bit more physicality involved," McKay said.
 
"It's a chance to keep improving the game plan and the structures, and build on what we started in 2013. There will be a bit of time in the classroom, so to speak, but certainly a lot more physical activity, which will be quite testing for the boys."
 
A number of players including veterans Chris Judd, Andrew Carrazzo and Heath Scotland won’t be making the journey, and will instead focus on individual training programs in Melbourne.