INTERIM Carlton coach John Barker does not view Hawthorn as unbeatable but he is well aware of the enormity of the task facing his side when it takes on the premiership favourites at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
That mission of competing with the red-hot Hawks will be made even tougher given the inexperience of the Blues' side.
Carlton played 11 players with 50 or fewer games' experience in the club's 42-point loss to Fremantle in Perth on Saturday night and Barker said the Blues would again have a youthful team against the Hawks.
"What I'm looking forward to about the game is that we've got so many inexperienced players who get to learn and get great education from, probably, the best team in the modern era," Barker said at Ikon Park on Tuesday morning.
"Hawthorn is not undefeated this year, so we don't think they're undefeatable.
"But we're well aware of the size of the task at hand."
Andrew Walker (knee) and Nick Graham (foot) are not ready to play and still face a period of time on the sidelines.
With very few players on the comeback trail from injury, Barker said the club had no choice but to back in its young players.
"The mix isn't going to change much this week, purely on the fact that we're not really getting anyone back from injury," he said.
"We'll go in very inexperienced again, and it's very good for the Carlton Football Club and our members to see bits and pieces of the future."
Barker took over the senior coaching job after the Blues sacked veteran coach Mick Malthouse following the round eight game against Geelong.
Injured midfielder Dale Thomas recently endorsed Barker to be installed permanently in the position, although the Blues are still some way off making a decision on their new coach.
Fremantle development coach Simon Lloyd has been linked to the role, but Barker rejected the notion he was unsettled by other candidates being associated with the vacant position.
"The club's got to do it its due diligence and do the best they can to allow for the best possible future for this club, and I completely understand that," Barker said.
"Who they choose is who they choose."
Barker also praised midfielder and skipper Marc Murphy who will notch his 200-game milestone against the Hawks.
"Marc Murphy is an outstanding Carlton person. I can do nothing but congratulate him on such an outstanding achievement," Barker said.
"His leadership over the last six or seven weeks, since I've taken over, has been outstanding. His want to drive this place to a better standard has been nothing but first-class."
