Buoyed by his solid pre-season, Carlton captain Chris Judd is keen to again unleash his fearsome running game on the AFL.

The midfielder's groin surgery after the 2007 season and tactical requirements at his new club last year meant Judd played more of a close-in role for the Blues.

After spending much of last summer recovering from the surgery, arguably the game's best modern player still finished equal-10th in the Brownlow Medal count.

"(I'm) a lot happier - this time last year, I was just starting to do some of the warm-ups, I wasn't training," Judd said.

"To be doing full training with no restrictions is great."

Asked about having the chance to return to his former game role, Judd replied: "I hope so, it just depends on circumstances, who's in there and what role I have on the day.

"Certainly I'd like to run and carry the ball a bit more this year."

At his best, Judd is a master of using his skill and pace to smash the opposition's midfield.

At West Coast he had a fearsome on-ball partnership with another former Eagles captain, Ben Cousins.

Carlton play Cousins' new club Richmond in round one and Judd, like everyone else, is relishing the prospect of the two Brownlow Medallists playing against each other.

"I've spoken to him and I'm rapt to see him get another go, but I haven't caught up with him yet," Judd said.

"I'm looking forward to it (round one), he's a great player and a player I've never played against, so it's another big challenge for me.

"We're both looking forward to it, hopefully he has a good year."

The Blues and Tigers finished not far outside the top eight last year and there are big expectations about their 2009 prospects.

Judd said there was no feeling of pressure around Carlton, but added that would start rising around March as the regular season draws near.

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