Although Carlton’s senior players have only been back for two weeks, vice-captain Bryce Gibbs says he’s already “back in the swing of things” and enjoying pre-season.

The 26-year-old says there’s plenty of fresh enthusiasm at the club, with a host of new faces within the playing and coaching groups.

“I think they’ve done a really good job in going out and finding not only players but coaches who have played and coached in successful sides,” Gibbs told Adelaide radio station FIVEaa.

“They’re all bringing different ideas to the table, which has been really good for the group.”

With assistant coaches arriving at the Blues from Geelong (Dale Amos), North Melbourne (Shane Watson) and Richmond (Tim Clarke), Gibbs says Carlton will now formulate its own unique game plan.

“All of those coaches have come from successful teams, and by no means do we want to be copying what other teams are doing, but obviously we’ll probably take bits from each of their former teams and mould it into our own style of footy, which is pretty important,” Gibbs said.

Leading the way is senior coach Brendon Bolton, who Gibbs says is a natural teacher who is already making his mark by creating a learning environment at Ikon Park.

“He’s really impressive, really enthusiastic and really energetic type of guy – he’s got a clear vision.

“What has really impressed me is his skills to teach the players what he wants – he’s a really good communicator.

“He knows when you need some balance, when to mix it up and when to have a bit of fun, but there’s been times when he’s put his foot down and been really serious in what he wants as well.”

Putting his foot down might be something Gibbs also has to get used to, as the 2014 John Nicholls Medallist and his partner welcomed their first child into the world earlier this year – little Charlie Jay Gibbs.

“It’s been a bit of an eye-opener of the last five-and-a-half months but I’ve been really enjoying it,” Gibbs said of fatherhood.

“Yeah I try to help out where I can…I get him in the bath and change a few nappies – it’s been good fun.”

If you’d like to meet Bryce Gibbs and captain Marc Murphy, head to the Carlton Shop at Ikon Park tomorrow, Tuesday 8 December for your chance to grab their autographs. The boys will be there from 12:45pm.