A RETURN to full training is in the offing for Mitch McGovern.

After sustaining a back injury late last year, Carlton’s recruit is hopeful that come the end of next week, he will be ready to engage in full training with his new teammates.

McGovern said he was recovering well from the ill-timed injury, which came as a result of something he’d completed countless times in the past.

“I sustained the back injury in the last session before Christmas which was unfortunate,” McGovern said.

“You do that 1000 times in a year, but unfortunately this time I just landed a little bit awkwardly. I’m recovering well.

“The Christmas break was a long one because I couldn’t do the things I would’ve like to… [It] involved a lot of cross training. I’m getting there and starting to progress back into it.”

Not wanting to leave any stone unturned as he embarks on a new journey at his new club, McGovern said he has a clear focus for the rest of the summer as the days tick down until Round 1.  

“I’m progressing and hopefully I’ll be integrating into training over the next few days, before full training in a week or so,” McGovern said.

“My focus for the rest of the pre-season is my fitness base. I’ve missed the last couple of week which means I’m a bit behind the boys, so I’ll hope to catch up as quick as I can.”

Much has been made of McGovern’s acquisition by the Blues in the off-season, and particularly the impact it will have on the side’s forward outlets. 

With Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay alongside him, McGovern is understandably itching to get involved.

“I’ll try to build up my chemistry with the boys in the forward line,” he said.

“I’ve been here for about eight weeks now and I think I’m fitting in really well, you’ll have to ask the boys that though!” 

With so many new faces after joining a new club, McGovern said he was relishing the chance to work with a familiar face once more.

“I’ve been working really closely with David Teague as my forwards coach which has been unreal, as has Brendon Bolton,” he said. 

“They’ve been great with my development into the Club but there’s still a fair bit to go. I’m looking forward to it.”