Blues' star Andrew Carrazzo said he is looking forward to the community camp at the official welcome for Carlton by the City of Greater Bendigo.
Carlton's footballers - without superstar Chris Judd - have been officially welcomed to Bendigo and signed autographs for fans at a formal welcome this morning.
Former captain Judd had been scheduled to greet fans at the Bendigo Central Post Office this afternoon, but is "not feeling well" and isn't in Bendigo, according to the Blues' media manager.
The Carlton players were officially welcomed by City of Greater Bendigo mayor Lisa Ruffell at the Civic Gardens this morning.
"On behalf of the City of Greater Bendigo I'm delighted to welcome the Carlton Football Club to Bendigo for the 2013 Australia Post AFL Community Camp," she said.
Ruffell said Bendigo has a strong historical links to Carlton as the club's regional zone during the VFL era.
"The City of Greater Bendigo realises that football is a strong and much-loved sport in the region," Ruffell said.
"I congratulate both the AFL and Carlton for coming to Bendigo."
About 30 players were present at the welcome, with potentially the next Blues skipper Andrew Carrazzo speaking on behalf of the squad.
"All the boys are looking forward to giving back to the community, having some fun with the young kids and the adults tonight (at the Dinner with the Stars)," Carrazzo said.
