Rookie selections Hugh Goddard and Tomas Bugg have set out to make the most of their new opportunity at Carlton.

The pair were both given reprieves by the Blues last Friday, as they both arrived at Ikon Park via the rookie draft.

The 22-year-old Goddard, who was taken with Carlton pick No.1 in the rookie draft, said he was keen to take on an attacking role in Carlton's defensive set-up.

“Playing AFL has been my dream since I was a kid. I’ve had my fair share of games now but I want to make sure that that continues," Goddard said.

“You see any key defenders these days can’t really just be a lock-down player, you’ve really got to get involved offensively. I felt around midway through the year I really took that on and took the game on more.

"That’s definitely the way I’m going to be approaching my footy here – just leaving nothing in the tank."

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Goddard spent the weeks leading up to the draft training alongside the Blues at Ikon Park. Having gelled with his new teammates, the 196cm spearhead said he would fill whichever position was required of him at Carlton.

“I’m open to playing at either end. I played a lot forward as a junior but I’m really enjoying the backline at the moment. The guys like (Liam) Jones and (Jacob) Weitering are really cementing their spot. I’m learning a lot off them which has been great.”

“I felt this year I was able to get some good continuity with my footy and get back to some good form. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be at this club. 

Tomas Bugg trained alongside Goddard in the weeks prior to the draft. Taken at pick No.18 by Calton in the rookie draft, the former Giant and Demon said he believes the Blues have the opportunity to become a potent side in the league.

“You can go from a team that’s struggled to a really successful club. What [Melbourne] has been through the last couple of years, I think they’ve progressed to one of the stronger teams in the AFL now and I think Carlton has got that opportunity,” Bugg said.

“There’s a lot of energy in the young guys and some strong leadership which I’ve found in the last two weeks.”

The 25-year-old has the potential to fill the 22-to-26 age gap Carlton’s recruiters were aiming to fill over the 2018 off-season. He said he is prepared to work hard to earn himself a place in the side.

“The hard work starts now,” Bugg said.

“For me it’s about building a strong pre-season and then giving myself the best chance to play Round 1 for the season, but I’m strongly motivated to play for the team.

“I’ve been around a few different football clubs now. I just want to be really strong in my preparation.”

Bugg adds versatility to the Blues' list, with an ability to run through the middle and move forward. Despite this, he said he will fill the role that best benefits the team.

“I’ll do any role that’s suitable for the team. At times I’m going to have to play mid and in the forward line so I’m just looking to just be really strong around the contest and lead the younger players and help them out a little bit.”