Carlton will use former president and long-time fan Richard Pratt as motivation in Sunday's AFL match against the Western Bulldogs.

The billionaire is gravely ill and coach Brett Ratten is among several Blues personnel who have visited him this week.

Pratt is a popular figure at Carlton and has been a major factor in the club's off-field resurgence over the last two years.

"They (the team) will have a thought for him ... we will use (him) as a motivating factor," Ratten said.

The Etihad Stadium clash has become a major game for the two teams, who have faltered after strong starts to the season.

Carlton have lost to Essendon and Sydney, while the Bulldogs suffered a major upset last weekend when they went down to West Coast.

Ratten said Andrew Carrazzo and Heath Scotland are strong chances to return to the senior side after strong VFL form.

Key defender Michael Jamison could also return from injury.

Full-forward Brendan Fevola was among several Carlton forwards who went to Etihad Stadium on Thursday for a rare chance to have goalkicking practice at the ground.

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