After his position shift into the Blues' forward line last year, Zac Williams is keen to 'lock in' up front after a full preseason preparing himself for the role.
Williams built a solid return season around his versatility, kicking 15 majors after coach Michael Voss shifted the noted running half-back's magnet mid-way through the season.
The 30-year-old made 19 appearances - his best at Carlton since arriving from GWS ahead of the 2021 season, after missing the Blues' entire preliminary final-bound 2023 campaign with an ACL injury.
His goal tally last year more than doubled his previous best at the Giants in 2017, including a career-best four goals early in his trial in the forward line against Gold Coast in round 11.
Speaking ahead of his club's season-opener against Richmond on Thursday, Williams confirmed he had been "sticking to one position and trying to work on my craft as a forward" over the summer.
He added one major in his side's big Community Series win over GWS on Feb 28.
Jesse Motlop, who Williams said he'd trained with over pre-season, lead with three goals in the previous week's scratch match with St Kilda.
"I'm really excited to start round one next week, and just lock into that role," Williams said.
Williams said he remains open to taking on whatever responsibility is thrown hid way in 2025.
The Blues looked destined to establish themselves as a genuine contender after falling short at the final hurdle in 2023.
Last year they started 4-0, including a one-point win over the Lions during Opening Round, with patches of mid-season form before dropping four of their final five home-and-away matches saw them finish eighth.
Brisbane again ended Carlton's season with a four-goal win in the first week of September.
Before another tilt, Williams said he is feeling confident in his body and ability to contribute.
"I've had conversations with Vossy that in games it could happen (a position shift)," he said.
"I've had a full preseason. So for me, it's just being confident now. So no matter where I'm playing, and no matter what role, if I'm feeling comfortable I think Voss will feel pretty confident in just flick me around wherever he needs to."
Williams admitted it has been a "long couple of years" enduring injury setbacks.
"It was a long process to get back to just full training through the week, and even getting back to being ready to do a full preseason as well," he said.
"It's been a long process, but I'm finally here now, I've done a full preseason, so I'm just really looking forward to getting and playing some footy after a long preseason."
Carlton and Richmond face off at the MCG on Thursday night.
