Footballs were at the ready on Wednesday afternoon as Carlton’s young players took to the training track for their first skills session of pre-season.

With a whistle around his neck and cap on his head, senior coach Brendon Bolton was just as eager to get on Ikon Park and put the players through their paces.

Speaking ahead of training, Bolton said Carlton’s new coaching panel has been working towards developing players and “creating strong relationships”.

“The one thing we’re really going to focus on is being united…we’re going to be really united as a group and we’ll be focused on constant learning,” Bolton said.

With the Club’s long-term goal being sustained success, Bolton has urged all Bluebaggers to be patient, while also assuring them they’ll see growth and development in the short-term.

“I encourage all members and supporters to look for the little sprouts in our youngsters.

“We’ve got four picks in the top twenty, which has never happened before – so just watch the talent grow.

“We know it takes time, it’s a brutal industry and a tough competition, but we’re excited about that growth.”

One player who experienced an exceptional amount of growth and exceeded even his own expectations last season was Carlton’s 2015 John Nicholls Medallist, Patrick Cripps.

Although Bolton is only three days into pre-season, he’s already picked up on one aspect of Cripps’ character.

“I do know there’s absolutely no complacency – he’s come back in outstanding nick. Himself, Sam Kerridge and Dylan Buckley, they came back in elite condition.”

Carlton’s older players return to training on 23 November, with all players set to attend a pre-season training camp in December.