Carlton's ruck stocks have brightened considerably ahead of Saturday night's game against West Coast at Subiaco.

Former Fremantle player Robert Warnock is set to return to the side after impressive form in the VFL.

Warnock missed the 2009 season with a foot injury and finally lined up at the start of this year.

While form meant he was dropped after five games, Blues coach Brett Ratten indicated he was set to return this week.

"He'll probably come into the team unless opinions change at match committee today but I daresay he'll come into the team," Ratten said on Wednesday.

"I guess we're missing Matty (Kreuzer) a little bit but it will be a good opportunity if Robbie gets a game to really show what he's produced over the last month at VFL level."

Ratten said Kreuzer was missed not simply because of his ruck work but other aspects the team relied on.

"Even when Matthew was playing he was always highlighted for his defensive running and the way he picks up men," Ratten said.

"He's just a great defensive team player that plays in the ruck and we do miss him but that I suppose is the growth - when you've got four ruckmen on your list.

"Okay, I'd love Matty to be playing but he's not. It's the growth of the others who get the opportunity to show what they can do.

"I think this will be a great time for us to explore who is the best combination for us, maybe with Matthew next year," he said.

Another player the Blues will miss for the rest of the season is young star Kane Lucas, who suffered a serious hamstring injury in last week's loss to the Sydney Swans.

Ratten said the Blues were intent on managing Lucas' rehabilitation properly.

"We want really look after him and make sure we get him right," Ratten said.

"It was a pretty big one.

"I think the scar tissue that can come of it ... and we don't want him to get two or three in a year and it goes on into next season.

"He's a first-year player too and their workload's up so I think it's really a welfare call on that one."

Ratten described the trip to Perth as an opportunity for the Blues to "get away".

"We've played Telstra Dome (Etihad Stadium) and ... the record would say we haven't gone as well (there) than we have at other venues," he said.

"Maybe it's a good opportunity for us to get from under cover and get out in the weather and face it and I think it will be really good for us."

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