Carlton AFL defender Jordan Russell says he hopes the Blues have learnt their lesson from the reality check against West Coast.

A crowd of more than 70,000 is expected for Saturday's round-15 clash at the MCG as 11th-placed Richmond host arch-rivals Carlton.

The fourth-placed Blues were blasted by coach Brett Ratten for lacking the appetite for hard work following their 36-point loss to the Eagles last week in what was the club's worst defeat for the year.

"It's a nice little reality check for us and, hopefully, that can spring us into action over the next nine or 10 weeks," Russell said on Friday.

"We knew we were about five or 10 per cent off.

"We've got to get our press better and our intensity around the ball has to pick up another couple of notches as well."

Premiership contenders Carlton will be tested without their best tall defender Michael Jamison who's out for a month with a knee injury.

Richmond's Jack Riewoldt was down on form with only one goal in last week's 27-point loss to Melbourne. But the star forward has kicked 41 majors to be trailing Hawthorn's Lance Franklin by only one goal in the hunt for consecutive Coleman Medals.

Key forward Ty Vickery (25 goals) is in good form for the Tigers alongside 178cm livewire Jake King (19 goals) who returns from a one-game suspension.

The Tigers have included 198cm key forward Ben Griffiths, 19, on their interchange bench.

But Russell is confident the inclusion of Simon White and Jeremy Laidler in the key defensive posts will bolster the Blues against Riewoldt, Vickery and powerful youngster Dustin Martin (22 goals).

"Every time 'Jammo' is not in our side, it's a loss," said Russell, Carlton's 2010 best and fairest runner-up.

"We expect a tall forward line and we've just got to be able to handle that.

"With 'Whitey' and 'Laids' coming in, I think we've got the capability to do that."

Carlton's former No.1 draft pick Matthew Kreuzer, who has played three games this year in his return from major knee surgery, was best-afield in round 13 but struggled against the Eagles.

The ruck-forward failed to complete training on Friday.

"He has got to manage his loads with his knee and that's obviously what the fitness staff wanted to do today," Russell said.

Midfielder Mitch Robinson and tall forward Jarrad Waite return for the Blues.

Carlton have won the past six clashes between the two clubs including a 20-point victory in round one.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick describes the 193cm Jamison as an outstanding player who will leave a hole in Carlton's defence.

"With Ty (Vickery) and Jack (Riewoldt), we feel we can get an advantage with that type of player also so, hopefully, it comes to fruition," Hardwick said.

Will Thursfield, Jayden Post, Griffiths and Bradley Helbig return for the Tigers, while tall forward Brad Miller heads the list of omissions which includes Luke McGuane, Reece Conca, Jeromey Webberley and David Gourdis.

Hardwick said Carlton's midfield featuring star trio Chris Judd, Marc Murphy and Heath Scotland will give the Tigers a few headaches.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP