Walsh, Martin among Blues training away from the main group during light Friday session at IKON Park
Jack Martin trained away from the main group at IKON Park on Friday, with the talented Blue donning heavy knee strapping.
The 29-year-old enjoyed the best stretch of his career towards the end of the 2023 season and has been a consistent performer across the pre-season, but was one of only a few training away from the main squad.
Sam Walsh was another absentee at training. The Blues held a heavy match simulation training on Monday, with Walsh doing individual skills work inside away from the group.
At this stage, there is no talk of an injury concern for the Gary Ayres Medallist.
Corey Durdin, Caleb Marchbank and Matt Kennedy were also on modified programs, running laps away from the group.
The players erupted into cheers as Jacob Weitering emerged from the facilities to do some light jogging.
The star key defender has already been ruled out of the start of the season with a calf injury.
The Blues did some basic skills work before moving into end-to-end transition drills, the light session capping off a big week as they look ahead to the clash with Geelong on Thursday.
Draftee Billy Wilson was heavily involved, as was VFL best and fairest winner Jaxon Binns.
Elijah and Ollie Hollands were clear standouts with their running capacity and ball use, with the brothers likely to be a big part of Carlton’s 2024 campaign.
Carlton gave up a future-third round pick to acquire Elijah from the Suns in the summer, with Michael Voss telling SEN Breakfast that the former top draft pick has been one of the standout performers of the summer.
Voss also raved about Jesse Motlop’s summer, and he was also prolific during the Friday session.
Orazio Fantasia, Zac Williams, David Cuningham and Mitch McGovern, a quartet who have had injury plagued careers, all were fit and flying on Friday.
With the exception of Weitering (calf) and Jack Silvagni (knee) the Blues seem to have a full list to select from for Opening Round, assuming Martin and Walsh are ready to go.
Carlton’s AAMI Community Series clash with Melbourne takes place the week after the Geelong hit-out, with both games at IKON Park.