Blues wary of Eagles forwards
Carlton assistant coach Rob Wiley says the Blues will pay due respect to West Coast's scoring power despite the Eagles managing only 11 goals in the past fortnight.
"They've got some dangerous forwards up there," Wiley said.
"(Jack) Darling's in outstanding form and (Josh) Kennedy's always dangerous. We've got to make sure we stop that supply.
"Although they haven't kicked as many goals as they want to, on their day they certainly can be very dangerous."
West Coast didn't kick a major after quarter time against Geelong in round four and managed only two goals in the second half against Port Adelaide last Saturday night.
While the Eagles have a tall forward line comprising Kennedy, Darling and usually a resting ruckman, they are ranked 16th for marks in their attacking 50m this season.
But Wiley said the Eagles had proven they had a potent forward set-up, while he pointed out that Adam Simpson's team was No.1 in defence after five rounds.
"Maybe it hasn't gone as well as they would have wanted in the last two weeks," Wiley said.
"But defensively they're a very good side and we know we'll have to work hard to get a winning score ourselves."
Carlton kicked 18.11 last week against the Bulldogs, their highest score for the year, with Jarrad Waite and Lachie Henderson combining for eight goals.
The Blues recalled small forward Jeff Garlett for today's game at Etihad Stadium after a fortnight in the VFL, while Troy Menzel was recalled yesterday when David Ellard withdrew with a calf injury.
Garlett was dropped after kicking 3.5 in the first three rounds, but Wiley said he deserved his spot in the 22.
"Jeff is an important player for our side. He offers something different," Wiley said
"And it was pleasing to see Jeff last week in the second half really get back to the form that he showed last year.
"He knows that he has to work hard, he's got a few tricks up his sleeve, but he's also got to come in and play what's expected of him from his other teammates and from the coaches.
"Jeff's a very good defensive player, but he's also a very good offensive player. When he can get that right balance he becomes a very hard player to match up."
The Blues have picked an experienced team, also bringing back Brock McLean, Michael Jamison and Mitch Robinson.
"They're all in good form," Wiley said.
"Jamison was in outstanding form and he's only missed one.
"McLean went back and his last two performances in the VFL have been outstanding.
"They come in with confidence and that experience will help us."
The Eagles lost Darren Glass (suspended), Xavier Ellis (calf) and Josh Hill (omitted), but replaced them with debutant Jeremy McGovern, ruckman Scott Lycett and Will Schofield.
