Carlton have already beaten Geelong once this year, but Blues coach Brett Ratten paints a very different picture ahead of Friday's return clash at Etihad Stadium.

The Blues scored a major upset in the round-five clash at the MCG, winning by 36 points against the defending premiers.

But according to Ratten, Friday will be a case of the Blues grabbing their pencils and going back to school against some of the greatest names in the competition.

"It's a little bit different, when you've got Matthew Scarlett back in the team since the last time we played them," Ratten told reporters at Princes Park on Tuesday.

"He's probably the best fullback in the last (decade)... he's up there with Dustin Fletcher.

"That makes it a lot different going forward and how the ball will go in and probably come out so quickly.

"Their rebound on the weekend was just phenomenal, the way they just cut the ball off and rebounded (beating Western Bulldogs by 101 points).

"I think things have changed a fair bit.

"It's quite daunting when you look at the form of (Gary) Ablett and (Joel) Selwood, the way he attacks the footy.

"And just those backs, the way they zoned off and supported each other, Scarlett and (Josh) Hunt, the way he's playing, (Darren) Milburn, (Corey) Enright is back to his best.

"It makes it very daunting, knowing they could bring back (Cameron) Ling, (Joel) Corey, the list goes on.

"It will be a really good educational game for us."

Ratten says taking on the second-placed Cats will give young Carlton players like 21-year-old Mitch Robinson the chance to measure themselves against the best.

Despite having several players pushing for senior berths, Ratten wants to "reward" the side which crushed Richmond by 89 points by sending an unchanged lineup into battle against the Cats.

Aaron Joseph is recovering well from an ankle injury while ruckman Shaun Hampson (ankle) is in some doubt.

Andrew Walker played well in the reserves and will be "pretty close" to winning a recall and small forward Chris Yarran will also be considered.

"I don't think you'd make many changes," Ratten said.

"If Shaun doesn't get up, (Sam) Jacobs would be really close, (Setanta) O'hAilpin's a chance.

"We're sort of leaning towards not too many changes, to reward the players who are playing well."

The Blues have locked in a finals spot and are sixth with 11 wins from 20 rounds.

"I've been fairly pleased. This is where the action starts now," Ratten said.

"When you play a midfield like Geelong's, it's good for the players to reflect on how well they went against some of the greats of the game.

"You can really say to our players, have a look at a Jimmy Bartels for a Shaun Grigg and these types, how they go about their football."

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