Preview Pre-Season 2015 - Training, Pics etc

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Craig Bradley's tongue returns.
 
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-14/the-middle-men-part-one

CARLTON


Tom Bell: Took some major strides in 2014, playing 13 matches including the Blues' final eight games. At 187cm and 98kg, Bell is one of the big-bodied midfielders who have come into vogue in recent seasons. Was one of the Blues' best players in their NAB Challenge loss to West Coast and could help shoulder more of Carlton's inside midfield load in 2015.

Blaine Boekhorst: The Blues' first pick in last year's national draft has impressed in his first pre-season at Ikon Park. The 21-year-old is a classy outside on-baller but has work to do on his fitness and strength. Played in the Blues' opening NAB Challenge game against the Eagles and should play senior football in 2015.

Andrew Carrazzo: Has endured a tough run with injury in recent seasons, but looks set to put that behind him after completing his first pre-season in five years. At 31 he remains a vital player for the Blues with his ability to shut down opposition stars and is set to return for his first game of 2015 against Collingwood in Bendigo on Sunday.

Patrick Cripps: One of the Blues' brightest young prospects, Cripps has enjoyed a strong pre-season save for a minor ankle injury he suffered at the club's January training camp at Mt Buller. The Blues' first pick in the 2013 national draft was hit hard by injury last year, but is well placed to play plenty of senior football this year. At 190cm he is a powerful midfielder who excels at stoppages.

Ed Curnow: One of Carlton's best performers in the NAB Challenge loss to West Coast, the run-with midfielder is an elite runner and hard at the ball. Although his skills can sometimes let him down, the 25-year-old is a consistent performer who is likely to be a regular part of the Blues' midfield rotations in 2015.

Matthew Dick: The former Sydney Swan reads the play well, has good endurance and has particularly impressed Carlton's coaching staff this pre-season with his hunger to improve. The 20-year-old is well built and can play in the midfield or across half-back.

Andrejs Everitt: Fully recovered from the knee injury that prematurely ended his impressive debut season at Ikon Park, Everitt is likely to be assigned the run-with roles he excelled in last season. Highly rated by the Blues for his leadership qualities.

Bryce Gibbs: After his career-best 2014 season Gibbs will share the Blues' vice-captaincy with Michael Jamison this year. Unlucky not to make last year's All-Australian team, the South Australian appears ready to join the game's elite players in 2015. A hard-nosed ball-winner at stoppages and lethal with his foot skills in open space, he is the complete midfielder.

Billy Gowers: The first-year rookie is athletic and skilled on both sides of his body. The son of former Hawk and Brisbane Lion Andrew Gowers, at this early stage of his career he is an outside player best suited to a wing or half-back. His first season is likely to be a development year in the VFL.

Nick Graham: The third-year midfielder has enjoyed an uninterrupted preparation for 2015 after being troubled by leg problems in previous pre-seasons. Has improved his running this summer, particularly his efforts at intensity, and is one of the candidates to fill the hole left by Brock McLean's departure.

Nick Holman: Made his debut in the Blues' big loss to Port Adelaide in round 22 last year and will be eyeing more senior opportunities in 2015. The 19-year-old is a role player with a strong competitive streak and can play as a run-with midfielder or at half-back. Had minor knee surgery this pre-season but has returned to the training track.

Chris Judd: Was close to hanging his boots up at the end of last season, but decided to play on after rediscovering his love of football. The two-time Brownlow medallist remains one of the competition's best contested ball-winners, but is likely to spend time in attack this season. Finished last season strongly and will enter 2015 in far better physical shape. Named to play his first game this year in the Blues' clash with Collingwood on Sunday.

Marc Murphy: Had enjoyed an excellent pre-season until he suffered a minor calf strain in the Blues' intra-club game late last month. The Blues hope their skipper will be available for their final NAB Challenge game against Geelong next weekend, but insist he is no doubt for their round one blockbuster against Richmond. One of the game's most courageous inside ball-winners.

Fraser Russell: The category-B rookie has returned to football after a four-year absence when he pursued an elite athletics career as a 200m and 400m runner. The 22-year-old was a strong junior player and his speed will be a weapon, but he has to adjust to the lateral movement required in football. Will spend this season developing in the VFL.

Kade Simpson: The 30-year-old remains one of the Blues' most consistent performers and is likely to divide his time between the midfield and defence this season, depending on where he is needed most. Suffered a minor ankle injury in late January but played in the NAB Challenge loss to West Coast.

Dale Thomas: The former Magpie is primed for a big season after completing his first full pre-season in recent years. Finally free of the ankle pain that had dogged him since 2012, the Blues are confident Thomas can return to the 2010-11 form that made him one of the best players in the competition.

Brad Walsh: The rookie is hardened for a first-year player after playing senior WAFL football with Peel Thunder last year. He has adjusted well to AFL training and has impressed the Blues with his professionalism. An inside midfielder who captained Western Australia at last year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

Robert Warnock: Has completed his best pre-season in recent years and is well poised to reclaim the Blues' No.1 ruck mantle after being dropped late last season. Impressed in Carlton's intra-club game last month and the club is confident the 28-year-old has his best football in front of him. Named to play his first NAB Challenge game against Collingwood in Bendigo on Sunday.

Mark Whiley: The former Giant made a solid start to his first pre-season at Ikon Park before being sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury. The 22-year-old is still two weeks away from returning, but the 188cm on-baller should enjoy senior opportunities this year.

Cameron Wood: The former Brisbane Lion and Magpie finished last season in fine style, coming off the rookie list to lead Carlton's ruck division over the final six rounds of the year. Wood will start this season on the rookie list again, but played as the Blues' sole ruckman in the NAB Challenge loss to West Coast. - Nick Bowen

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-14/the-middle-men-part-one
 
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Did we already know that Ciaran Sheehan and Cameron Wood have been upgraded or is this news?
Was aware that Wood was a nominated rookie but hadn't heard on Sheehan. We could also put Giles on the LTI list to promote another rookie e.g. Byrne the most likely at this stage.
 

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