“WE HAD one main goal for this camp — connection.”

Whether it was a 40-kilometre hike, abseiling, the very complicated setting up of tents or just quality time around the fire, Carlton’s pre-season camp achieved exactly what it set out to do.

That’s the opinion of AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss, who provided an update to members from the top of the Grampians National Park yesterday.

Beginning on Wednesday and officially coming to an end this morning, the camp provided a chance for the Club’s recent additions, returning players and new staff to connect in a way which only extended periods of time together can achieve.

There was hard work, too, of course, and the ability to come together as one was exacerbated by being out of reception range.

“What an outstanding few days it has been, in the context of coming together as a group and building a powerful bond that we know will continue to strengthen, not just for the upcoming season but for the many after it,” Voss wrote in an email to members yesterday.

“We’ve actually been off the grid for most of the time up here (we had to take a 20-minute drive too get enough interview to even send you this email!)… it has just been us, spending time together — how good is that.

“There’s been plenty of challenges for the players, namely a 40km-plus hike through the hills yesterday, which really tested the group mentally and physically. After nine hours trekking through rugged terrain, the sense of achievement when the players arrived back at camp together was really special.

“We want to build something that is sustainable, beyond the win-loss roller coaster that a season brings.

“A strong culture, built on mates who genuinely care about one another, know how to motivate one another, are comfortable to challenge each other if standards slip, be uncompromising with that and above all, mates who fully understand what it means to wear our guernsey and what it represents for so many people across the country.

“Some may think those questions are irrelevant to playing good football but it is absolutely crucial to what we are building here.”

Carlton members, for the full message sent yesterday, make sure you check your email inbox!