Hills are alive with Blues' theme

New Blues coach Mick Malthouse taking part in the pre-season training camp in Arizona. Picture supplied. Source: Herald Sun

NEW Carlton coach Mick Malthouse gathered his players in a huddle at the top of Mt Humphreys to sing the theme song.

Blues midfielder Kade Simpson revealed Malthouse's strategy yesterday as he spoke of how the playing group had committed to a standard of excellence.

The Blues are in the middle of a pre-season camp to Arizona, where Malthouse used to head each pre-season with Collingwood.

Simpson said the team bonding experience would stand the club in good stead for next year.

"Mick sort of put us all in a circle once we got to the top (of Mt Humphreys' peak) and said a few words," Simpson said.

"Then he was pretty keen for the boys to punch out the song to boost morale.

"We knew when we came over that it (the climb) was going to be tough. We got up to almost 4000m and obviously breathing takes its toll a bit.

"But all the boys got up and it was a pretty enjoyable experience."

Malthouse used similar experiences on snow-capped Mt Humphreys as motivation for Collingwood in the days after the 2010 drawn Grand Final.

Simpson said Malthouse, 59, led the way in terms of the hike on Friday.

"Mick is pretty competitive and was up the front the whole day. He stuck in right behind the guide. He has sort of been like a tour guide over here. He has been here so many times.

"It is really good for the boys to get to know him on a personal basis, and to bond and tap into his experiences."

Simpson said the Blues were in a solid position heading into the pre-season - ironically due to the injuries they suffered this year.

"Because we had all those injuries during the year, it means most of those boys went in for surgeries early and they are right to go now.

"We have only got two or three guys in the rehab group and they should be right before Christmas, so hopefully we are in good shape."

Simpson missed his first game in seven years this season after breaking his jaw in a controversial clash with Sharrod Wellingham that cost the then-Magpie, now-Eagle, a three-game ban.

"There are no hard feelings, he (Wellingham) only had a split second and he apologised after the game," he said.

"But it was pretty difficult sitting back watching games, I couldn't remember the last time I'd done that."

Simpson, 28, remains an important Blues player but says he can still improve.

"It is probably good to have a new coach so I can keep building. I'm one of the older guys now, but still feel I have a long way to go.

"When you don't make the finals, you just want to redeem yourself."

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