Midfielder Gibbs, who finished third in the count, was also quick to show his appreciation, acknowledging the impact Judd has had on his career since his arrival from the West Coast Eagles at the end of 2007.

"I probably wouldn't be sitting here right now if it wasn't for Chris coming across and showing us all of these qualities and his leadership," Gibbs said.

"Not only myself but a lot of the players at the club have taken so much from his work ethic and just Chris being Chris."

After being troubled in recent years by injury, Judd will not have to endure the pain of making a date with the surgeon during the pre-season.

The Carlton champion has been booked in for surgery in four of the five previous pre-seasons, but avoiding the doctors' table this year has left him feeling eager to begin pre-season training in the best possible shape since arriving at Visy Park.