New Carlton fitness guru Andrew Russell to take on near-injury free Blues list

FITNESS guru Andrew Russell will inherit a Carlton list that is finally free from the injury crisis that engulfed it last season, with almost a full list ready to hit the preseason track.

NEW fitness guru Andrew Russell will inherit a Carlton list finally free from the injury crisis that engulfed it last season.

Russell will officially start with the Blues on October 29 after asking Hawthorn to release him from his contract in one of the biggest off-field moves of the year.

Russell spent 14 years beside Alastair Clarkson at the Hawks and will take a wealth of experience to Brendon Bolton’s Blues, who are boasting a virtual clean bill of health a fortnight before the start of pre-season.

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Hawthorn elite performance manager Andrew Russell has left Alastair Clarkson and the Hawks’ den. Russell is seen by some as the recruit of the year. Picture: Matt Turner

Carlton’s underbelly was badly exposed by a spate of injuries in a two-win season, but

football boss Brad Lloyd said the club was in a good position to attack its pre-season program.

The Blues’ 1-4 year players will resume on November 5th, while its senior group is due to return on November 19th.

“Most guys are going to be in full training and ready to go,” Lloyd said.

“Most of them will be on the track straight away. The players have been coming and going from the club to use the facilities and there’s a good feel around the place.”

Matthew Kreuzer has been training over the break and will start with the main group after having a procedure to correct the heart issue that cut his 2018 season short.

Newly-appointed co-captain Sam Docherty will take part from the first session and rest has seen Charlie Curnow overcome a medial ligament strain suffered in Round 23.

Patrick Cripps will welcome back his new co-captain Sam Docherty from injury after he missed the entire 2018 season.

New recruit Mitch McGovern had an off-season clean out on his ankle, but that won’t delay his pre-season at his new club.

Fellow exchange period acquisition Alex Fasolo has been in at the club as he closes in on a recovery from ankle surgery.

Lloyd said emerging midfielder Zac Fisher (fractured fibula) had “no issue”, while Lachie

Plowman (knee), Jarrod Garlett (shoulder) and forgotten defender Tom Williamson is finally good to go after missing all of last season with a hotspot in his back.

“Tom’s progressing well. He had some lower back issues, but he’ll start back with the group as well,” Lloyd said.

Adelaide recruit Mitch McGovern can help Carlton at both ends. Picture: AAP

Only former Giant Will Setterfield faces a delayed start after rupturing his ACL in February during the Giants’ first practice game of the year against Sydney.

The former No.5 draft pick is expected to be in full training shortly after Christmas.

Setterfield and his new teammates will come under the watchful eye of Russell, who arrives as the most respected fitness chief in the league having helped mend Shaun Burgoyne’s and Jaeger O’Meara’s major knee problems.

“He’s just perfect for the group we’ve got coming through,” Lloyd said.

“For someone like him to come in and help build their bodies and build their running power will be outstanding.”

Charlie Curnow is over his medial ligament strain. Picture: Getty Images