A week of upheaval for Melbourne and a season of consistency for Carlton have Blues coach Brett Ratten confident of what he can expect from both AFL clubs on Saturday.

Ratten is certain the Demons will fiercely attack the fourth-placed Blues at the MCG, after their 186-point hammering from Geelong prompted the sacking of coach Dean Bailey and installation of caretaker Todd Viney.

"Knowing Todd and having played against Todd, I think he'll demand one thing off them and that will be about their approach at the football and the man," Ratten said.

"He was a tough competitor and I daresay he'll demand that from the playing group."

Ratten, who made his own start in coaching as the Blues' caretaker in 2007, said Viney would not have time to change much, but would issue some simple demands about the attitude needed.

But the Carlton coach said whatever Melbourne dished up, his team's consistent, hard-working approach this season reassured him the Blues would not be thrown.

"They might have the direction they want to go with their football club and themes and things like that," he said.

"But we have a lot to play for and our expectations have lifted internally and probably externally.

"We expect our focus not to change regardless of whether we're playing Melbourne, or as we just played the Kangaroos and Essendon, it doesn't change for us.

"That's something we've had great consistency in this season."

Key forward Jarrad Waite, who has missed three games with a hip injury, has been ruled out of making his return on Saturday.

But midfielder Andrew Carrazzo is a strong chance to play after overcoming a calf injury, while speedster Dennis Armfield is still being assessed after rolling an ankle against North Melbourne last round.

Defender Jordan Russell and utility Kane Lucas are also in contention, after strong VFL form.

Ratten expected Waite and ruckman-forward Shaun Hampson to be available for the following round's clash with Fremantle in Perth.

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