Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has dismissed criticism of the value of high-altitude training camps as his AFL team prepares to set off for Arizona.
Leaving on Tuesday, Malthouse says it’s “scuttlebutt” that there are no benefits.
There has been much discussion about the merits of the training with some claiming players gain little or no season-long boost.
Leading exercise physiologist Dr Ian Gillam said the camps were not worth the money while Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson and Magpies mentor Nathan Buckley were others who questioned their value.
“We don’t do it to waste time, money, effort; we do it because it’s very, very good for you,” Malthouse said.
“It’s very well documented, proven, and we’re not the only code that uses it.
“As far as the scuttlebutt of those who choose not to use it and then condemn it, then we have scientific evidence that’s on the contrary.
“We’ll take those benefits and if someone else rejects it, it’s up to them. We’re not here for anyone else, we’re here for ourselves.”
Carlton skipper Marc Murphy and prize recruit Dale Thomas are among the 30-strong squad flying out, while ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (foot) will be among a dozen players to stay at home.
Murphy said he was well ahead of training compared to last year when he was coming off a knee problem and would use the camp to build on his fitness.
“I didn’t get to do too much over there last year but this time I’ll be running and training,” he said.
“The knee’s really good, I’ve been running for about a month now so I’m about two or three months ahead of where I was last year.
“Getting a good (fitness) base is critical, especially when you’re playing in the midfield, coming up against the fittest blokes from opposition clubs.
“Missing out on two or three months prior to Christmas last year definitely hurt me.”
Malthouse said shock rookie draft recruit Cameron Wood was settling in well at the club.
The 26-year-old ruckman played 48 games for Collingwood under Malthouse between 2008 and 2012 before being delisted.
While the veteran coach was happy to give Wood another chance at senior level, he actually hoped he didn’t get a game.
“He’s now got the opportunity that if things fall his way he will play senior football,” Malthouse said.
“Personally it’s one of those things you hope doesn’t happen because we don’t want our ruckman falling over, but you’ve got to have a safety net.
“He is, we believe the best ruckman outside the AFL system so we see him as player who can help our young kids and we know he can ruck.”
The Blues conducted a two kilometre time trial on Monday morning, with Ed Curnow and Tom Bell among the first home.