The Blues' decision to offload troublesome Brendan Fevola is starting to pay off, says former Carlton premiership player and coach Robert Walls.

Carlton will attempt to back up Monday's huge upset of premiers Geelong when they take on arch-rivals Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.

Walls believes Carlton's resurgence has been helped by their bravery in trading Fevola away to Brisbane - just before the twin bombshells of the Lara Bingle nude photo scandal and his gambling addiction.

The 1987 premiership coach believes a Blues side without Fevola as the attacking focal point is more unpredictable, and promises more in the future now they have unearthed a wider variety of routes to goal.

"All the eggs in one basket - and a shaky basket at that - is not the way to go," Walls said of Fevola.

"They did a really strong act in getting rid of Fevola last year and that means the forward line has options, and you saw that last week with the three indigenous boys (Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett) kicking seven between them.

"Lachie Henderson's a work in progress up forward, (Matthew) Kreuzer can be a part of it up forward, they're on the right track, no doubt about that."

Collingwood assistant coach Nathan Buckley agrees Carlton's forward line presents new dangers without Fevola, and has also nominated tall Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin as a vital component.

"There's been a lot of talk from the outside about Fevola not being there but they haven't had any trouble scoring goals," Buckley said.

"Yes, they have a small forward line but O'hAilpin's been a very hard worker for them. He's playing a very important role forward of the ball.

"And they've got quick, fast smaller players who are very dangerous."

While Walls is bullish about Carlton's future, he still believes the Blues will take time to become legitimate flag contenders as they work with a young playing list.

"I don't think they're anywhere near top four at this stage but they are one of the youngest teams in the competition," he said.

"This Carlton team that'll play on the weekend is one of the three youngest teams in the 16 going around. It's all in front of them."

The Blues have elevated young ruckman Sam Jacobs to replace axed Robbie Warnock against the Magpies, while defender Paul Bower returns from a quadriceps injury.

He comes in as a straight swap for luckless Andrew Walker, who fractured his collarbone in the win over Geelong.

The Magpies are unchanged from their huge Anzac Day win over Essendon.

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