PRIZED Carlton recruit Mitch McGovern was restricted to light duties behind closed doors during Carlton's first day back for 2019 on Friday.

Nursing a back fracture sustained while flying for a mark in the final session before Christmas, the 24-year-old forward completed a bike session as teammates toiled away for 90 minutes.

McGovern has also resumed light running in recent days and is expected to re-join the main group later this month.

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Fellow recruit Will Setterfield remains on a modified program, while former captain Marc Murphy and Matthew Kreuzer were put through a punishing running block as the rest of the squad were put through contested drills.

Midfielder Matt Kennedy, who has resumed full training following post-season ankle surgery, was taken from the track as a precaution after a heavy head knock in a marking contest.

Andrew Phillips completed laps, while Hugh Goddard, Liam Stocker, Darcy Lang (foot) and Caleb Marchbank (back) trained away from the main group.

Forward Harry McKay received a rousing reception during the open session, taking a one-on-one mark in front of Phillips, while Charlie Curnow did likewise opposed to Levi Casboult.

Injured co-captain Sam Docherty, who resumed strength work on his ruptured ACL, watched from the sidelines with injured forward Jarrod Pickett.

VFL players Michael Gibbons and Matt Cottrell, who joined the Blues prior to Christmas in the hope of earning the two vacant list spots, trained strongly.