Carlton say they aren't taking Melbourne lightly despite the Demons' massive incentive to lay down in their AFL clash on Saturday.

The rampant Blues sealed a finals berth last round and assistant coach Mark Riley says they're looking for a "hard game" against the Demons.

Most pundits aren't expecting last-placed Melbourne, with a prized draft priority pick a certainty if they don't win another match, to challenge Carlton.

But Riley believes, with the talent on board at Melbourne and veteran Russell Robertson's announcement that his days as a Demon will be over at season's end, they'll do just that in their Etihad Stadium match.

"Certainly it wouldn't have ever been discussed or emphasised within the walls of our club," Riley said about the Demons' tanking.

"We're really focused on our own game plan ... we've looked at Melbourne and done our due diligence.

"They were very, very good last week (against Fremantle).

"There's some pretty good players around the ball and then you look at their forward line ... they've got some talent.

"We've got to stop them getting the ball down there."

Robertson, 30, announced midweek that he was no longer wanted by the Demons, after 226 matches and that round 22 next week would be his last.

Riley said he expected the departure of the popular forward would have an effect on Melbourne.

"That always has an impact, that's good," he said.

"We want a hard game."

Riley said there was excitement brewing in the Carlton camp, with their first finals appearance in eight years.

But he added they weren't looking more than one week ahead.

"It's a very big proud club, 16 premierships and it's been down for a while and last week's win guaranteed us at least a spot in the finals.

"But now we're back against Melbourne and that's what we're focusing on.

"We won't talk about September until September," he said.

Young Jeff Garlett has replaced injured Mitch Robinson in the only change to last Sunday's winning line-up.

Joining the club as a rookie just before Christmas, Garlett has impressed in his eight games this year.

"He's a fantastic pick-up off the rookie list," Riley said.

"He's a skinny little kid, he's still jockey weight, so when he puts (weight) on there's going to be a few opposition counter-attackers that will know that he's in the area.

"At the moment he really does chase and pressure well, but he just doesn't have that physical strength to hold the tackles. That will come with another couple of pre-seasons."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP