Carlton captain Sam Docherty has successfully returned to full training at Ikon Park, following two years ruined by ruptured ACLs.
The 26-year-old had career years across 2016 and 2017, before the significant setbacks.
Everything remains on track for Docherty to run out as Blues skipper for the first time in Round 1 of 2020 and backline coach Dale Amos was full of praise for the work he has put in.
“He’s in fantastic shape … he’s training as well as anyone and he’s back in full training,” Amos told Carlton Media.
“He’s been really influential within the playing group, which has forced him to find ways to influence things not just with his on-field stuff.
“We’re really excited about what he’s going to produce over the coming weeks.”
Docherty is expected to slot straight back into his role as one of the best attacking defenders, but could hypothetically move further up the ground with the Blues now having plenty of depth across half back.
Kade Simpson and Nic Newman were the regulars across half back last season, with Sam Petrevski-Seton looking good in the role late in the year.
The Blues have now also brought in Jack Newnes from St Kilda and have high hopes for young defender Tom Williamson.