Carlton midfielder Adam Cerra has done all he can in the last four months to ensure he is ready for the 2025 season.
Following an injury-ravaged 2024 campaign, Cerra ventured to Doha to assist with his persistent soft-tissue issues.
The former Docker was kept to 13 outings last year amid a frustrating year that didn't seem to get going as the Blues struggled with consistency through the midfield.
Speaking on Sunday, Cerra - who has signed until the end of 2030 - has declared he has done "all I can" to prepare his body for the upcoming campaign, noting that an injury-free off and pre-season has put him in good stead for the marathon competition.
"I had a full pre-season and off-season of training so a lot of work has gone into the body," Cerra said.
"It's been documented I've been overseas in the off-season so I was able to find out some good insights in that. That really helped shape what my pre-season training looked like.
"I've been able to tick all the boxes since then, so for me, I've done what I can to have a full-season."
Despite the many little intricacies going into the day-to-day to ready his body for the rigours of AFL football, Cerra has opted to look at the silver lining of last year's irritating season, saying he's been able to understand what is required to perform at his best.
"There's a couple of things I need to keep an eye on," Cerra said.
"I know my body a lot more than previously, which is the benefit out of last year. I've done a bit more research and looked into myself a bit more.
"For me, it's staying on top of that. My training, my recovery, and keep working hard.
"Listening to my body more (is key). But also during the week, my prep, my training, things I got to go after to set myself up the best for the weekend."
Cerra will line up on Thursday in Carlton's season opener against Richmond at the MCG.
It was confirmed by the club that Nick Haynes and Lucas Camporeale will don the Navy Blue for the first time, while spearhead forward Charlie Curnow will miss.
