Last updated: December 29, 2014



Essendon and Carlton elite take to the hills as clubs step up altitude training in the states


A long way from home: Carlton players train in freezing temperatures in Arizona. Source: Herald Sun


Essendon's Brendon Goddard and Jobe Watson take part in a boxing drill while in the United States. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON braved a chilly start to its altitude training camp in Arizona as the players adjusted to the thin mountain air.

After a 22-hour journey, the Blues arrived in Flagstaff on Saturday and got to work with a running session at the Northern Arizona University.

The Blues were greeted by chilly winds and light snowfalls, while the players have noticed a difference to their breathing patterns as they train at 2500m. The camp is the first under coach Mick Malthouse.

While the Blues acclimatised to their conditions, Essendon was a week into its altitude training in Boulder, Colorado.

The Bombers sent 10 players to the camp, including star recruit Brendon Goddard, who was in the thick of it with a sparring session with captain Jobe Watson.