Track watch: All the latest news from the training ground as AFL clubs prepare for 2025

Cripps. Walsh. Cerra. Hewett — and now Jagga Smith. But it was another young gun who has staked an early claim to be part of Carlton’s engine room in 2025.

Evasion and precision with ball in hand, it’s something that Carlton fans have been longing for in recent seasons – and they have found it in Jagga Smith.

Muggy conditions rendered IKON Park to a sauna-like setting this morning, but Smith’s clean ball use and quick hands in a range of simulation drills stood out to eager track watchers.

A stellar intercept in congestion highlighted not only his skill, but the quick thinking and knack for reading the ball that made him the top prospect on Carlton’s draft board.

Jagga Smith has hit the ground running at the Blues. Picture: Jazz Bennett

Second-year Blue and Smith’s best mate Cooper Lord also stamped his authority among the first-to-fourth year group — keeping up with Jaxon Binns and Ollie Hollands in running drills.

Several senior players returned to training early, with Jacob Weitering, Zac Wiliams, Mitch McGovern, George Hewett, Nic Newman, Alex Cincotta and Jordan Boyd all making an appearance.

Following an interrupted pre-season last year, he moved freely and looked to be as quick as ever, reading the play and spoiling a kick intended for his opposition in developing prospect Harry Lemmey.

After undergoing back surgery, Blake Acres completed running inside as he pushes towards full training in the new year.

Jacob Weitering and Harry Lemmey contest for the ball. Picture: Jazz Bennett

Lachie Cowan in action. Picture: Jazz Bennett

Oh we back. We really back.

Today's session in 60 seconds, enjoy 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/UT7BLWH6cW

— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) November 27, 2024

It was a long-awaited return to the track for Jack Silvagni that excited the fans at IKON Park, with the forward joining the team for drills and running sessions.

Silvagni looked fit and firing in his bid to be available in 2025 after missing all of 2024 with an ACL injury.

Ben and Lucas Camporeale looked to have adjusted well to full-time IKON Park residency, taking part in drills, but the twins – as well as fellow draftees Harry Charleson and Harry O’Farrell, were eased into light duties at the end of the running session.

Delisted Hawthorn defender and former pick 6 Denver Grainger-Barrass featured in the entire session in a bid to win an SSP spot with the Blues.

The full squad is expected to return to training next week, with the club optimistic Charlie Curnow is tracking well on his return from ankle reconstruction surgery.

Originally published as Track watch: All the latest news from the training ground as AFL clubs prepare for 2025