A rejuvenated Dale Thomas says he hopes to again play a key role in the Carlton midfield as coach Mick Malthouse and the Blues set "lofty" expectations after a disappointing 2014 campaign.
After completing a searching bike ride with several of his teammates up Mount Buller Road on Tuesday – the Blues are holding a pre-season camp in the ski region – Thomas said he had not missed a session of training this pre-season.
That is a major turnaround for the former Magpies star, who has endured serious ankle problems and surgery through the past two summer campaigns.
While he managed to notch 20 matches (averaging a modest 17.3 disposals) in his maiden season with the Blues, it was only late in the year when he had the fitness to emerge from inside attacking 50 and push up the ground, even spending time at half-back.
A fit Thomas would provide a boost through the middle for the Blues, with his clean disposal expected to ease the team's issues with midfield turnovers.
"The beauty of our team at the moment is we have great depth and blokes on the park. This time last year we had a number of guys who had just come back from surgery and were in rehab and in and out of training," Thomas said.
"We have almost got a full complement of our list out there training at the minute.
"It's going to be fierce competition for spots, that's what you want. The group gets better as a whole. Hopefully, that can lead us to a better year this year."
Thomas admitted he had doubts about his future when the ankle problems flared during his final year with the Magpies, but last year's efforts gave him the confidence to rebuild his career.
"I don't feel it [ankle pain] so that is probably the best sign. I think also, mentally, I am running and jumping with more confidence, not really thinking about it all," he said. "Last year I had pretty high expectations and wasn't able to achieve what I was hoping to.
"Probably the expectations I set were a little bit unrealistic, but you have got to try and outdo what you think you can do and try and make yourself better. The group is no different what I am trying to do.
"So far this year we have set some pretty high standards. We have set some lofty goals. If we keep trying to achieve them, you never know where we will end up."
Blues supporters will hope that features September action. What is clear is that the seven wins of last year was unacceptable.
The playing list has again undergone significant change, while there have been tougher rules set in terms of players being accountable before and during training.
"When you go away after the season we had, below par and we didn't meet the expectations, the boys come back with a renewed kind of focus and desire I guess," Thomas said. "No one is happy to win seven games in a season."
Marc Murphy, Chris Judd, Matthew Kreuzer and Andrew Carrazzo were among those who did not take part in the ride, but Malthouse was given a rousing reception by his players when he finished the 16-kilometre trip.
