Etihad Stadium, Saturday, February 25, 7.40pm
MISSING
Carlton: Andrew McInnes (knee), Jarrad Waite.
Fremantle: Aaron Sandilands (hamstring), Anthony Morabito (knee), Matthew Pavlich, Peter Faulks (groin), Chris Mayne (ankle), Matt Taberner (glandular fever), Michael Barlow (rested), Stephen Hill (arm).
LAST ROUND
Carlton: Two wins from two NAB Cup games, a perfect start to life under Mick Malthouse. However in typical Malthouse style, he was already identifying areas to improve in the post-match press conference.
Fremantle: Fremantle split its opening NAB Cup games, winning against Geelong but suffering a hefty defeat at the hands of arch-rival West Coast. A tune-up against Adelaide in a practice match last weekend allowed Freo to give valuable game time to Nat Fyfe and David Mundy in particular.
WHAT THEY SAY
Carlton: "We'll certainly need the three NAB Cup games to iron out a few areas of concern. There's a whole host (to work on). There's a lot of things that are different (to last year under Ratten)." - Carlton coach Mick Malthouse
Fremantle: "It will be a good challenge to see what they bring and what new structures and game-plan they come with. It's another good hit-out against a quality opposition." - Fremantle star Nat Fyfe
WE SAY
Fremantle: The absence of Aaron Sandilands is a huge blow for Freo and finding the right ruck formula will be an essential part of the rest of the NAB Cup starting on Saturday night. Jonathon Griffin and Zac Clarke will be given their chance to impress against the Blues. Ross Lyon will also look to hand much-needed game time to the club's senior players.
Carlton: The Blues still have plenty of adjustments to make under Malthouse. They are under no illusions that these changes need to be gradual. Carlton sits in a pretty advantageous position for the rest of the NAB Cup, although preparations, like most teams, are firmly geared around round one.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_BenGuthrie
