Carlton coach Brett Ratten says a Blues defender can give his AFL career a giant boost by blanketing Coleman Medallist Jack Riewoldt at the MCG on Thursday night.

With Carlton missing suspended fullback Michael Jamison and injured fellow tall defender Paul Bower, the Blues have no obvious opponent for the Tigers' danger man.

"With Jamo out I think it's opened up the possibility for a few," Ratten said.

"The person who gets the role will have a great opportunity to really project their career and make a name for themselves."

Ratten would not reveal his plans on Wednesday, although Bret Thornton was named at fullback.

As Carlton reached the finals last season, Thornton was languishing in the VFL.

Of other potential options in the selected 22, Simon White played the most recent of his six AFL games in round nine last year, before injury ruined his debut season.

Jarrad Waite is another possibility, but Carlton would much prefer to keep their best key forward in attack.

There is also the chance teenage draftee Matthew Watson, named as an emergency, might be a late inclusion.

Ratten said he was not averse to throwing the job to an inexperienced player.

"He's the best goal-kicker in the land last season, so I think that job for any player is a big task, regardless of whether you're an All Australian fullback or you're in your first game," Ratten said.

"It would be a huge task for anyone. He's such a talented player and I think you can see what he does for the Richmond crowd.

"We watched them last week and every time he touched it the crowd went berserk.

"He is an emotional lifter for the group and the supporters, so I think stopping him in the game will be critical."

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