Carlton recruit Brock McLean has been denied the chance to take on his former AFL club Melbourne, after being dropped by the Blues.

Traded from the Demons in the off-season, the 24-year-old will now have to wait until next year to face them, with Saturday's MCG match the only meeting between the clubs this season.

Key forward Lachie Henderson was Carlton's other player omitted, as Ryan Houlihan returned from injury and Jarrad Waite from suspension.

Last Sunday's win over West Coast was McLean's first game back from a three-game lay-off with a hip injury, but the Blues listed him as omitted rather than injured.

Earlier on Thursday, Carlton captain Chris Judd said he was planning to seek out McLean to counsel him ahead of playing Melbourne.

Judd, who went through an emotional day when he lined up against his former club West Coast for the first time in a Blues jumper, said it could be a difficult day.

"You really try and tell yourself - and others - that's it's just another game but when it is against your old mates you can't help but get a bit more worked up for it," Judd said.

The Blues skipper said Melbourne had become a dangerous side this season.

The Demons have recalled young guns Tom Scully and Jack Trengove, after resting them against Geelong last round and regained Matthew Bate from injury, dropping Matthew Warnock, Joel MacDonald and Austin Wonaeamirri.

"Melbourne are becoming a really strong side," Judd said.

"They're exciting to watch - I watched a couple of their games this year and they just looked to be very aggressive in the way they bring the ball back through the corridor.

"They've got some good leg speed in their team now and I think it's a really big challenge for our footy club."

He said Carlton, who have won five of their past seven games, were making progress.

"We've still got a lot of improvement to go and we're a long way from where we want to be but I feel the club's improving every week," Judd said.

"A lot of our younger players are really maturing and we're starting to see some good results."

Judd said Waite's inclusion after his two-week ban was welcome.

"Waitey's a really great player for us.

"He's had a bit of a tough trot after the 12 months (knee) injury and then he let himself down and the rest of us down with getting reported.

"But his form before he got reported warrants automatic selection."

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